'A Celebration of Craftsmanship & Design' 2007

End of Year Report

Last year there seemed to be a lot going on, so I have left the exhibition report till now to give you an update. 

The book ‘BESPOKE’ has been very well received both in the UK at the Cheltenham and London launches but also at the Frankfurt book fair where enquiries were received from all over the world.  We are still awaiting media reviews (that is the publisher’s domain), but it was book of the month in September’s I.D.F.X.

The exhibition went very well this year even though the visitor numbers were down a touch on last year.  We sold significant pieces every day, and I have been advised by one maker that he has almost completed discussions for a commission approaching £100,000.  I am happy to say that I am being advised of significant commissions as a result of the exhibition more and more.

We then, in November, did a small exhibition at Furniture Makers Hall, which was to serve two purposes;  to launch the book in London, giving the publisher the opportunity to promote the book to the media, interior designers and architects in and around London and to explore the possibility of using the facilities of the Worshipful Company in conjunction with their tenants Citigroup, who we hope will feel able to invite their senior staff and guests once they understand the calibre of work we have to offer.  The future of this venture is being negotiated, but we are all of the opinion that it will not go forward unless we can get Citigroup on board with a new guest list.

 December saw the opening of my own gallery BESPOKE with my colleague Jane Partridge, who runs the gallery in my absence.  It will not simply be a gallery, but a resource centre for our clients, portfolios will be held of all participating makers work and we are building a website where it is hoped to show all pieces of designer made furniture that is available for sale all over the country.  I will be happy to send the paperwork about the gallery to anyone who would like to receive it

Following on from the London event, I have been asked to explore the possibility of exhibiting at Decorex.  I have been in touch with Caroline Lawson-Dick and we have passed their selection procedure.  In keeping with the terms of the gallery, and keeping faith with those of you who have been party to me exploring a London venue I will write to the gallery members and the initial ‘London Group’ about Decorex next week.

For the web-site please contact James direct at 

James Norbury, 50 Fern Street, Cwmbrla, Swansea, SA5 8BG.

Tel. 01792 475307, E-mail james.norbury@ntlworld.com

Next year's exhibition

A Celebration of Craftsmanship & Design

16th – 25th August 2008 – To include Bank Holiday Monday