Preview: Collect 2025 - Q&A with Isobel Dennis, fair director.

From the UK’s Crafts Council, Collect returns for its 21st edition at London’s Somerset House from 28 February to 2 March 2025 (with previews today and tomorrow).

Collect 2025 will bring together an expertly curated line-up of 40 specialist galleries from across the globe, featuring over 400 living artists selected by a specialist advisory panel – hailing from over 30 countries including South Korea, Japan, Ukraine, South Africa, Greece, Canada, the UK and many more.

Ahead of the show's opening, we interviewed Isobel Dennis, fair director, Collect, to find out what's in store for you, and us, when we head over this week.

Firstly, can you please tell us about your professional background and role at Collect?

"Growing up as the daughter of two architects, I was immersed in the world of creativity from an early age. My journey led me to study ceramics at art school, where I developed a profound appreciation for crafts - an understanding that has shaped my career ever since.

"I have over 25 years of experience in cultural exhibitions, fairs, and partnerships, with a deep-rooted passion for craft and design. Over the past two decades, I have combined industry insight with a strong business acumen to navigate the evolving landscape of contemporary craft and design.

"In 2018, I joined the Crafts Council as Collect Fair Director, bringing leadership, creative vision, and commercial expertise to the fair ensuring its continued success and innovation."

For anyone who doesn’t know, what is Collect?

"Presented annually by the UK’s Crafts Council, Collect is the leading art fair for collectable contemporary craft and design, which this year is taking place at London’s Somerset House from 28 February to 2 March 2025 (previews on 26 and 27 February).

"Now in its 21st edition, the fair is recognised as an unmissable event at the forefront of the contemporary craft movement bringing together an expertly curated line-up of 40 specialist galleries from across the globe, featuring over 400 living artists who are presenting work that push the boundaries of their craft across a range of disciplines and materials."

Who attends?

"At a time when contemporary craft has never been more sought after, Collect continues to be the authority, and only fair, dedicated to presenting established and new galleries showcasing the freshest and most exciting contemporary craft in today’s market. Alongside some of the biggest names, there are newer artists to discover, revealing the breadth of craft skills today.

"The fair continues to be a vital market incubator connecting galleries, dealers and artists with high-net-worth collectors, interior designers, art advisors, patrons and more, and we very much look forward to welcoming visitors to our 21st edition."

For 2025, you have handpicked 40 prestigious galleries to take part. Can you talk us through your selection process to ensure a widespread, global perspective of craft is showcased? 

"As you would expect, we have a comprehensive set of criteria for galleries to meet when applying to the fair. Each application is carefully considered, with particular attention given to the artists they wish to represent, the thematic direction of their presentation, and how their selection contributes to the broader vision of Collect. Each proposal is then carefully reviewed by our Advisory Panel to ensure a diverse and dynamic range of work is shown. 

"Despite its 21 years, Collect always remains firmly forward-looking, with a key criterion that the works need to have been created within the past five years.  This ensures that the fair remains fresh and relevant, consistently introducing new works to the collectors’ market each year. "

What constitutes truly pushing the boundaries in contemporary craft?

"Pushing the boundaries may constitute how it crosses into contemporary art and sculpture to pushing a material into new creative applications. It is what makes this discipline so exciting and ever- evolving. It’s about challenging norms, exploring new ideas, and redefining craft."

What crafts / media of making are you perhaps seeing in decline, and therefore are keen to support/see more of?

"I would actually say that we are seeing more and more materials being used in contemporary craft within the context of an art fair. This is more about what the artists are looking to work with to realise their creative expression.

"Where there is a decline, is more in the traditional craft professions, for example rope-making or musical instrument making. However, where technological advancements, globalised manufacturing, and shifts in cultural interest influence some of these endangered professions, there is much to be learned from these highly skilled crafts people.

"We hope it continues to open up exciting opportunities for revitalisation, preservation, and innovation in contemporary craft.

"It is vital that we all continue to support living artist makers by buying and commissioning their works."

How do you approach the selection process of Collect Open. What criteria do you work to defining outstanding levels of craft?

"Collect Open is a feature of the fair that is different from the international galleries taking part and is where artists can apply as an individual.

"Selected each year for challenging perceptions on materiality, a social or political statement, or something altogether more personal, we look for artists who are taking their practice to the next level—whether through scale, experimentation, or collaboration—creating work that sparks dialogue and captivates audiences.

"Proposals are put forward and the selection process is guided by a dedicated advisory panel (different from the main fair Advisory Panel) and we look to showcase between 10-14 projects at each fair.

"These projects are then thoughtfully integrated within the main exhibiting gallery spaces within the historic neo-classical rooms of Somerset House, offering visitors a truly immersive experience of contemporary craft at its most dynamic."

How much does materiality play a part in selecting for Collect Open? Particularly with sustainability in mind?

"Materiality always plays an important part in the selection for Collect Open. The skills and knowledge of materials, coupled with the narrative within the proposal, all influence the success of applicant.

"Materiality then becomes a means of expression rather than a sole consideration. In this context, the focus shifts toward how materials are used to communicate ideas, explore new territories, and experiment with forms and concepts that break away from convention."

As you say, this is Collect's 21st edition. Can you tell us of some stand out media and uses of material that you have seen across the years that have defined new standards of craft?

"With exquisite works created in the last five years – and many especially commissioned for the fair, the range of disciplines and materials at Collect spreads widely. The different media spans ceramics, glass, lacquer, furniture, art jewellery, metalwork, textile and fibre, wood and paper, with artworks embracing more unusual materials such as resin, beeswax, denim and plastics as well as reused and repurposed materials."

How has the climate crisis formed new ideas on what constitutes a luxury material / craft object?

"The climate crisis has reshaped perceptions of luxury in craft, shifting the focus towards sustainability, ethical sourcing, and material innovation. Increasingly, collectors and makers alike are valuing provenance, process, and longevity over brand alone. We hope that luxury is now being more defined not just by exclusivity, but by responsibility—how materials are sourced, how waste is minimised, and how craft objects connect to environmental and social narratives."

The UK certainly holds its own creatively on an international craft stage. What factors contribute to the rich and fertile craft ecology of the UK?

"The UK has long been a global leader in contemporary craft, driven by a unique combination of heritage, innovation, and cultural diversity. Our world-renowned art schools and institutions provide a strong foundation for emerging makers, while established galleries, museums, and art fairs like Collect create vital platforms for craft to be seen, appreciated, and ensuring it remains dynamic and relevant on the international collecting world."

What talks can we expect to attend at this year’s Collect?

"Working with expert voices—including galleries partners and sponsors—we will present a public talks programme at Somerset House. These will include the highly popular LOEWE FOUNDATION talk on the Saturday of the fair, along with a featured talk on our Collect Open programme.

"There will be more updated information on the finalised talks programme nearer to the fair so please do look out for this on the website. This carefully curated programme will offer thought-provoking insights into the evolving landscape of collectable craft and design."

And what’s next in the general world of craft?

"The world of craft is evolving at an exciting pace, driven by a growing appreciation for materiality, sustainability, and the handmade in an increasingly digital world. We are seeing a renewed focus on traditional skills, reinterpreted through contemporary lenses, as well as a rise in interdisciplinary collaborations that blur the boundaries between craft, design, contemporary and fine art.

"As collectors and institutions continue to recognise craft’s cultural and artistic significance, the sector is poised for even greater global visibility and impact."

Find out more about Collect 2025 and book your tickets here.