M asterful, sustainable and eminently collectable, authentic crafts hold profound value in a world so often detached from the tangible and tactile. Such objects, deeply connected to their makers, honour cultural heritage while shaping a contemporary aesthetic, set to stand the test of time.

This May, Sotheby’s is supporting London Craft Week with ‘Crafted’, a celebration of talent working across diverse media. Curated by Sotheby’s specialists, it is designed to shine a light and deepen insight into the realm of craft of all kinds. Sotheby’s will host the FiredUp4 charity auction and its ‘Secret Ceramics’ fixed-priced sale of anonymously donated pieces, to raise funds that provide ceramics classes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Intoart will present a bold display of new craft commissions alongside works from its vast collection. Intoart is a pioneering visual arts organisation championing learning disabled and autistic people as visible, equal & established artists and designers. Elsewhere in the galleries, shortlisted candidates for House & Garden’s inaugural craft prize will be exhibited and Sotheby's will present a selection of leading commercial galleries showcasing the most exciting fine crafts being made today.

A major public programme will include demonstrations by master framers, needleworkers and conservators and a series of thought-provoking talks and workshops over two days: in the London Craft Week Symposium on 13 May, and at Sotheby’s own Festival of Craft on 16 May.

Image © Barnaby Ash (of Ash & Plumb) at the atelier's workshop in the South Downs. Photo by Andrew Montgomery courtesy of House & Garden.