Margeret Bunn, organiser of the British Craft Trade Fair writes:
As individuals and communities emerge from the first wave of Covid lockdown and attempt to readjust and resocialise, consumers have reassessed what is truly essential. The days of throwing away money on unsustainable, poorly-made objects and flashy status-symbols are numbered, as we turn towards unique products which genuinely enhance our everyday lives.
New meaning has been given to the word ‘essential’ and we have all been forced to consider what is really important to us. Many shops in our industry were deemed ‘non-essential’ in the early days of lockdown, but for our community they could not be more important, not just because they are the engine of our communal economy, but because they help us – for we are all consumers – to discover what is essential to us, as individuals.
Not just anything will do. We all want to find that ‘perfect something’, which for us is deemed essential to our lifestyles. We all want to be individuals, expressing ourselves through the clothes we wear, the food we eat and the products we buy. Having that perfect cup of coffee from the perfectly crafted mug; finding that perfect card or gift for someone who’s been a rock of comfort and support; the perfect painting or decoration to adorn our homes, which more than ever in 2020 have served as our sanctuaries.
Now we need to educate consumers, both at home and overseas, about what British handmade has to offer and the benefits of buying something crafted to a high standard, made to last and that no one else has.
And here is where BCTF comes in. With over 300 companies on our unrivaled online catalogue and thousands of new products launching at our first Autumn Event – BCTF Online, from 20-22 September 2020 – this is the place where retailers can source the essential from the best of British design talent.
We know for a fact that more and more consumers are looking to buy handmade British products not only because they want to support home grown talent but also because they want their homes, offices, and gardens to say something about them and the person they are.
Art and Craft has been doing this for hundreds of years, it is an instinctual part of mankind’s makeup – the desire to create goes back to the cave man and has never stopped since. The craft of making plays an important role in the development of many other skills: Imagination, innovation, proportion, scale, perspective, mathematics, aesthetics – all very useful and relied upon in many other professions.
For over 40 years BCTF has showcased thousands of talented individuals, often combining technological and traditional skills to create magical, inventive, extraordinary collections. countless products are on sale with prices from across the board, so whether a high end London gallery, The National Trust, department store, gift shop, museum or a small post office with a gift shop attached come to buy, there will be plenty of choice for everyone within their budget.
What we aim to do is introduce makers to buyers willing and enthusiastic about buying British. We offer a dedicated platform that no other event offers, only British handmade products selling to buyers mad about British, the perfect combination!
All retailers are welcome to join our second online event from 20-22 September, where you will be able to live-chat with exhibitors and view enhanced profiles which contain up to 24 product images, videos and catalogues/price lists you can download. Everything you see is guaranteed to be made by hand in Britain.
