The New Craftsmen opens first permanent space in London’s Mayfair
An organisation representing over 75 British craft specialists and makers has opened its first permanent retail space in a striking light-filled arts and crafts building in Mayfair.
![The New Craftsmen, North Row, London](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/The-New-Craftsmen-North-Row-London_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
Following an online presence and two pop-up shops, The New Craftsmen has moved into a 19th-century building that was originally a workshop for makers of leather breeches.
At 2,000 square feet, the space will host a range of work from makers across the country, with a schedule of rotating exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations aiming to engage visitors with craft skills and processes.
![The New Craftsmen, North Row, London](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/The-New-Craftsmen-North-Row-London_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
"This is our new and permanent space – it is the third retail space we've had, but prior to this, they have been pop-ups, so I guess this is our stay-up," co-founder Catherine Lock told Dezeen.
![The New Craftsmen, North Row, London](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/The-New-Craftsmen-North-Row-London_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
"Our ambition is for it to become a true hub for buying, commissioning, learning about and making fine craft," added co-founder Natalie Melton.
"A permanent home means that we can establish a pace and a rhythm that falls in step with the very best makers – not rushed, nor hurried, but delivered with thought and consideration."
![The New Craftsmen, North Row, London](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/The-New-Craftsmen-products_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
Highlights in the first range of work on display include a new collection of hand blown Harbour Lights by Michael Ruh and Aimee Betts; Fabric Works, an exclusive collection of quilts from textile artist and natural dyeing expert Katherine May; and contemporary ceramic vessels from Silvia K Ceramics.
![The New Craftsmen, North Row, London](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/The-New-Craftsmen-products_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
In September the range will be given a refresh with a focus on work produced locally to the new shop in Mayfair.
"We will be shining a spotlight on the craftsmanship within the workshops and ateliers of our neighbours as well as a few new surprises of our own," says Melton. "Our collection of products will continue to explore traditional craft skills against a backdrop of newness and innovation: redefining British craft."
![The New Craftsmen, North Row, London](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/The-New-Craftsmen-products_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
The main shop features large windows that flood the space with natural light, and features an indoor garden created by Hattie Fox from That Flower Shop.
A large wooden table and a vintage tallboy, with a drawer for each designer represented by the organisation, form the shop's commissioning area dedicated to interior designers and clients who want bespoke pieces.
![The New Craftsmen, North Row, London](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/06/The-New-Craftsmen-products_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
The shop is located at 34 North Row, London. Other new spaces to open in Mayfair in the last year include Paul Smith's extended Albemarle Street store and a gallery space for auction house Sotheby's.