A 30-year career working across retail, hospitality and the arts has seen James Thomas apply his creative talents to visual merchandising and retail space design at Selfridges, Topman and Urban Outfitters. He’s worked with architects, product designers and artists, to create product ranges, campaigns and events, and can count the likes of De La Warr Pavilion, Charleston and Great Dixter among his clients. His latest project is Hastings Craft Weekend (May 24/25).
What brought you to design?
People. I have been fortunate to work with incredible people all my life, from the design world to the people in the place I call home: Hastings. My mom encouraged my creativity from a very early age, inspiration came from her and encouraged us both to create a beautiful home environment for our large family.
Also, my love of creating stories and presenting products to showcase their unique selling point.
What makes a well designed space?
For me it is all about the harmony you create between colour, texture and authenticity, whether that’s products, surface patterns or people. I like to create spaces that are delivered with a real sense of purpose and feeling, exploring all the senses.
You have recently founded Hastings Craft Weekend. Why contemporary craft?
I appreciate its skill and technicality combined with the use of incredible materials. To ensure we protect endangered crafts, we need to promote the craft world and encourage young people to learn traditional skills.
What can we expect to find at HCW?
Inspiration! There’ll be 35 incredible makers showcasing their craft skills with demonstrations, workshops and items to buy. There’ll also be space to talk about commissions.
What is your selection criteria?
An authentic story from the maker, their love for the craft, and the product’s commercial viability. That combination gets me excited! Ask the Expert Design consultant James Thomas
Why Hastings?
The people are incredible, and the non-gentrification of spaces makes it completely authentic and gives Hastings that pride in place.
What’s currently fashionable?
Every craft has its place, but patchwork quilting, the use of hag stones in basketry and metalwork, and the resurgence of embroidery all feels very now.
Who are the makers we should be watching?
John Booth (ceramics and design), Bisa Butler (patchwork quilting) and Jordan Nassar (art and textiles).
How much should we expect to pay for great craft?
It can be affordable, but you need to pay more for quality. Buying craft always comes down to how much you love it. I encourage all makers not to undersell their work with low price points.
Give us some tips for displaying craft at home.
I love an ‘art wall’ that combines painting with ceramics, 3D reliefs and a shelf of ‘stuff’. I bring items together that create a theme, using colour and texture. For example, I’ve created one centred on ‘the environment’ that includes paintings, drawings, ceramics with motifs, and found objects like twigs, hag stones and moss. Displayed together, they tell a bold story of the coastline.
Follow @jamesmatthewthomascreative on Instagram for updates on Hastings Craft Weekend.