Thrilled to announce the launch of a new title I have been working on as Editor. Commissioned by QEST (aka the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust), this brand new, one-off print magazine was made to commemorate the charity's 30th birthday and showcase its vital work in supporting standout makers within the world of British craft - something the craft industry needs now, more than ever.
The commission came through in late 2019 and despite the ah, unique challenges that 2020 has thrown our way (not least squeaking in two major photoshoots mere days before lockdown and producing the majority of pages remotely), my team at ILN did a wonderful job in producing a first-class, highly visual publication that's really rather beautiful.
Highlights include a thought piece from V&A Director Tristram Hunt, a story on craft-led interiors by Kerryn Harper-Cuss, an interview with design legend David Linley and original illustrations by Kerry Lemon, in addition to a Foreword from QEST Patron HRH Prince Charles. I myself wrote a fashion-led feature exploring some of the time-honoured, hand-crafted skills that are still practiced in the name of style. As might be expected, are also numerous interviews with many of QEST's creative craftspeople, running the gamut from sculptors and glassmakers to blacksmiths, guitar makers, charcoal burners and beyond.
My long-time collaborator and knockout photographer Mitch Payne captured two fab shoots; a still-life centrefold featuring a number of different craft objects by various QEST Scholars and the gorgeous graphic cover shot showing the stunning original piece commissioned specially for the title, by textiles artist Laura Thomas. For this, Thomas cast a multitude of colourful yarn threads and minute pearls in a single piece of curved resin - a fitting tribute to both her skills and QEST's pearl anniversary.
A special mention to my supremely talented (and infinitely patient) art director Lucy Wise, who pulled it out of the bag yet again. We have worked together for a number of years now and it's always a pleasure, especially on something as exciting as creating a magazine from scratch.
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