Now in it’s 17th year, Hidden Art Open Studios returns, giving the public direct access to the studios of London’s designer-maker community.

HIDDEN ART OPEN STUDIOS

27th & 28th November and 4th & 5th December 2010

Click here to view map of studio locations

Most studios are open from 11am to 5pm, but check in advance.

Over 30 studios in London participate in the event, which encourages buyers to find their Christmas gifts away from the ubiquity of the high street. Take a look at the working environments of many design talents, chat to them directly, and come away with a unusual gift for Christmas 2010.

Hidden Art is a London-based organisation which aims to help designer-makers successfully reach new markets via a broad variety of initiatives.

The Hidden Art Christmas Design Fair opens today (27th November) and runs until Sunday. Held within the Old Truman Brewery in East London, the event showcases and sells the designs of over 60 Hidden Art members.

HIDDEN ART CHRISTMAS DESIGN FAIR

Friday 27th November 2009, 12-6pm (Private View 6-8pm)

Saturday 28th November 2009, 10-6pm

Sunday 29th November 2009, 10-6pm

OLD TRUMAN BREWERY

85 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL

As the Christmas buying frenzy starts in full ernest, you have the opportunity to buy special gifts from some of the talented designer-makers selling here, with prices to suit every budget. In addition, there is an ‘environmentally-friendly’ wrapping service (whatever that means!), a Christmas cafe, a Hidden Art pop-up shop (LDG is available to purchase here), and even a space to dump the kids.

The products on offer vary from mugs, candelabras, textiles, Christmas baubles, furniture, lighting, tableware, jewellery etc.

This fair is the final celebration in Hidden Art’s 20th year of supporting British design talent. The organisation supports and promotes designers both nationally and internationally through international trade fairs, an E-Shop, press coverage, and awards.

Furthermore, Hidden Art run an annual pre-Christmas Open Studios event, which is a big celebration of East London-based design talent. Run across two weekends (28th+29th November and 5th+6th December 2009), it is crucial to clutch an Open Studios Map, which helps you to locate the numerous participating studios and workshops.

Images: from top – Christmas Chimera baubles by Reiko Kaneko; Patty Hex side table by Burgundy Applegate; Flower Candles by Louise Graham; Pipework Candelabra by Nick Fraser