In the heart of the global arts scene, London Craft Week continues to serve as a vibrant stage where heritage and innovation collide. Attracting approximately 250,000 visitors annually, the festival showcases a diverse array of craft skills from across the globe, offering a glimpse into the enduring power of human creativity.
Among this year's highlights is a compelling exploration of how dying artforms can be revitalized for a modern audience. Representing the rich artistic legacy of the region, Anson Lai, a goldsmith based in Hong Kong, has captivated audiences with the meticulous art of gilding.
Gilding has a storied history in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, where gold leaf has long been utilized to adorn sacred temples and Buddha statues. However, Lai is pushing the boundaries of this traditional technique. Over the past year, in collaboration with a leading traditional gilder, Lai has integrated these ancient methods with cutting-edge technology, using gold leaf to decorate intricate 3D printed flowers of his own design.
For Lai, the process is as much about personal growth as it is about artistic expression. "I think it's a really transformative journey for me because I learned and I know about the history and the culture of the gilding in Hong Kong. So we collaborate and we did it together," he explained.
By bridging the gap between ancestral craftsmanship and contemporary digital fabrication, Lai's work exemplifies the spirit of London Craft Week, ensuring that traditional skills not only survive but thrive in 2026.
Reference(s):
Artisans bring new life to traditional artforms at London Craft Week
cgtn.com
