May 14th - 16th, 2026

We were delighted to return to London Craft Week in May, opening the doors of our historic Hall for three days celebrating the elevation of the hand-crafted surface. Through live demonstrations, talks and guided tours, visitors explored a remarkable range of traditional skills, including pigment making, painting conservation, wood graining, marbling, trompe l’oeil, gilding, calligraphy, wallpaper design and conservation, mural painting, sign writing and painted cloth. Eighteen Company members shared both their expertise and personal perspectives, creating an atmosphere that was educational, inspiring and engaging.

Over the three days, 245 visitors attended, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with guests praising the exceptional talent on display and expressing a renewed appreciation for decorative craftsmanship. Painters’ Hall itself proved a highlight, its rich history and splendour providing an ideal setting for the demonstrations and tours.

The Company was honoured to welcome the Lady Mayor’s Consort, Gary Langley, Sheriff Keith Bottomley, and Sheriffs’ Consorts Elspeth Hughes-Penney and Kevin Bradford, who spent considerable time enjoying the event and engaging with the artists.

A special attraction was the newly commissioned portrait of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal by Louise Pragnell, unveiled shortly before the event. Displayed publicly for the only time before its installation at Intelligence Corps Headquarters, the portrait drew significant interest.

The Saturday panel discussion on the art and challenges of conservation and restoration added further depth, highlighting the balance between preserving traditional methods and meeting contemporary challenges.

Throughout the three days, visitors consistently praised the openness and generosity of the craftspeople, and this event once again demonstrated the enduring relevance of the hand-crafted surface and the value of sustaining living traditions. Huge thanks to demonstrators - Polly Bennett, Ash Bishop, George Bogojevic, Ann Bowen, Chris & Cathy Britain, Joanna Brogan-Higgins, Adam Dant, Rui Jiang, David Kynaston, Jo Mabbutt, Rick McPherson, Andy O’Connor, Alison Poon, Dawn Reader, Tony Roche, Derek Tanous, Michael Wilson, Robert Woodland; and panel members – Gerry Alabone, Paul Humphreys, Stephen Levrant, Lucia Scalisi.