CONTACTJay&Co, the furniture restoration and upcycling workshop run by Jay Blades, brought together young talented makers for a pop-up showcase in the beautifully restored and refurbished former Branston Pickle Factory in Bermondsey.
The setting was the stunning industrial chic commercial space at The Pickle Factory, SE1, which has been restored and converted by London Square - partnering with Jay&Co to stage the pop-up. The event was a big success - with local residents and visitors from far and wide enjoying the displays and demonstrations, plus a live debate on creativity in business, chaired by Jade Ilke, of Designing Futures, who curated the showcase.
The temporary three-day residency launched the latest collection of bespoke restored and contemporary furniture and makers from Jay&Co, alongside interiors-related pieces produced by emerging talented artisans and craftspeople.
Jay Blades dropped in for a preview to meet the makers and was filmed by ITV London News, with presenter Sally Gilbert trying her hand at furniture restoration with Jay, stone carving with Josh Locksmith, of the London Stone Carving Company, whose work can be seen at The Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace, and textile embroidery with Lewisham-based artist Palvinder Nangla, using Tambour beading. ITV London News was broadcast on the main 6pm bulletin, with shots of The Pickle Factory and the makers with Jay Blades.
Times Radio interviewed Jay and talked about the pop up at The Pickle Factory and his work as a furniture restorer and as an ambassador for heritage crafts for The King’s Foundation. There was also a major story on The Pickle Factory showcase on the Daily Mail’s Mail Online, with its worldwide audience.
London Square hosted a launch drinks reception in the beautiful atrium space, which was attended by Southwark councillors, the local community and guests of Jay&Co and London Square.
A series of maker demonstrations took place. Jay&Co revealed how they transform furniture with their upholsterer Vlad Nemes, who works in Jay&Co’s Shropshire workshop. Amber Joy trained as a furniture restorer and conservationist and is now a surface design artist and marquetry expert, produced some examples of marquetry work. Woodworkers Daisy and Andrew from Lula James Woodworking Creative showed their approach to bespoke pieces of furniture.
“A beautiful and historic setting, ideal as a backdrop for our furniture and our crafts collaborators’ work; the past, the present and the future all rolled into one."
Jay Blades
"The Pickle Factory exemplifies the ethos of re-use, restore and reimagine and we are delighted that our partnering with Jay&Co produced such a wonderful three-day event."
Adam Lawrence, Founder and Chief Executive, London Square
Adam continued, "We rescued the building from dereliction, providing homes and stunning commercial space while remaining faithful to its industrial heritage and it was exciting to see the commercial space being used in a such a creative way.”
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