Crafted - Makers of the Exceptional at Royal Academy until 5th April 2014

It was a chance meeting at the Royal Academy yesterday with my friend, tailor Pip Howeson, that alerted me to an exhibition that I strongly urge you to visit if you're in London over the next day or so.

Walpole British Luxury runs an annual mentoring programme which pairs contemporary makers with British luxury brands. The chosen craftsmen are exhibiting at the Crafted showcase, in association with Vacheron Constantin, at the Royal Academy, Burlington Gardens, from 3-5 April 2014. Mentors will help develop the business acumen of each maker (Pip Howeson included) throughout the coming year.

Derby boot in textured hide by CarreDucker

The breadth of the skills on display is impressive, from Pip Howeson's outstanding tailoring, through Fair Isle knitwear, shoemakers, leather goods, pottery, jewellery to furnishing, hats and plasterwork. As a showcase of British craftsmanship it's an outstanding event and I suggest you visit if you can. It's very exciting to see so many British craftspeople in one place. I hope to write about a few of these brands in future. Details of opening times below.