“Bottega in Bloom”, an original format of events and workshops

Artistic traditions, craftsmanship, and innovation inspired the workshops and installations of “Bottega in Bloom.” The ICG Gallery in London was transformed into an artistic workshop, experimenting with the transformation and decoration of materials.

Visitors were invited to become craftsmen, using creativity and art to give new meaning and value to materials sourced from processing waste. Evoking scents, shapes, and colors, the ICG Gallery London became an authentic “Bottega in Bloom,” where heritage arts and crafts were rediscovered through the revival of handmade skills and techniques. This rediscovery of artistic expressions aimed to create beauty and breathe new life into materials.

The events and workshops organized for Clerkenwell Design Week paid homage to the Iris Ceramica collection “Bottega d’Arte,” a brand of Iris Ceramica Group. These red body surfaces, with their handcrafted flavor, represented the haute couture of ceramics. The Terracotta surfaces were created by exploring traditional production techniques and manual skills, highlighting the beauty of handmade creations.

Guests were invited to become craftsmen of the ‘bottega,’ playing with colors, real flowers, ceramic production waste, and other materials to create circular artistic installations. These installations evolved into a collective work of art in the ICG Gallery, remaining even after Clerkenwell Design Week.

WAXING ATELIER, workshop and installation

Contemporary artist Lola Lely guided visitors through an experiential workshop at the ICG Gallery. Here, flowers became the medium for exploring the concept of “suspension in time,” resulting in wax-crystallized flowers as meaningful gifts. Using flowers recovered from London markets, participants created unique floral elements using the “wax immersion” technique. Lely’s installation of suspended flowers, made with waxed fabrics, welcomed guests, transforming the Gallery into an ethereal art workshop.

HACKED SURFACES, workshop

This workshop focused on circularity and the endless possibilities for reusing materials. Guests at the ICG Gallery London reinterpreted ceramic production waste using “terrazzo,” “ikebana,” and “repair” techniques to create a collective work. The evolving installation was completed by the end of the festival and remained on display throughout Clerkenwell Design Week.

ICG Gallery Exhibition Space

The ICG Gallery London was renewed, showcasing the Group’s latest materials, including pastel colors, glazed surfaces, and unconventional patterns, across all three floors.

THE OLD SESSIONS HOUSE, Room 4

Simultaneously, in room 4 of The Old Sessions House, Iris Ceramica Group reinterpreted the “Bottega in Bloom” concept. This space celebrated the values and artistic potential of traditional craft workshops with the bright colors and tactile qualities of the “Bottega d’Arte” collection. The ancient ceramic glazing process was reimagined with floral elements immersed in wax, creating an artistic installation of overlapping shapes and textures.