International Arts and Crafts

The enormous range of material brought together and an international flavour are what give strength to a vast retrospective organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum dedicated to the Arts and Crafts movement. A collection of three hundred objects (furniture, fabrics, ceramics, glass, jewellery, architecture, photographs and books in a display designed by Allies and Morrison) describe the history of the movement established in defence of the craftsman, from its beginnings in Great Britain at the end of the nineteenth century to its development in Europe, Russia, United States and Japan.

Alongside the exhibition is a packed programme of events, for example every Sunday students from schools of applied arts are invited to improvise being “craftsmen for a day”. Dressed as carpenters, plumbers or decorators they create new objects and models (3, 10, 17, 24 April). Taking a deeper look at the subject from a theoretical and philosophical point of view is a conference (22 and 23 April) with international historians and curators. E.S.

International Arts and Crafts
Until 24.7.2005
Victoria & Albert Museum
Cromwell Road, London
T +44-020-79422000
http://www.vam.ac.uk

John Duncan, <i>St. Bride</i>, painting, 1913. The National Gallery of Scotland. © Estate of John Duncan 2004, DACS. © Courtesy of the Artist's Estate — John Duncan, *St. Bride*, painting, 1913. The National Gallery of Scotland. © Estate of John Duncan 2004, DACS. © Courtesy of the Artist's Estate

Mikuniso, view through dining room towards display of ceramics on shelves. Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art

Design and ceramics renew a shopping center

FMG Fabbrica Marmi and architect Paolo Gianfrancesco, of THG Arkitektar Studio, have designed the restyling of the third floor of Reykjavik's largest shopping center. Ceramic, the central element of the project, covers floors, walls and furniture with versatile solutions and distinctive character.