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Matt Kavanagh / Designer Sculptor

@mattdiplomat

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Collectible craft, contemporary artefacts, future heirlooms.
Available works and commissions:
[email protected]

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Not only stunning work but good for the soul. Loved mattdiplomat at Decorex last week.
Highly recommend a look and a follow

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A not-to-be-missed highlight of Decorex 2026 is Making Spaces featuring @meganleech.design, @rkceramics_, @nowshinprenon, @mattdiplomat, @helenjohceramics, @caracampbellart, @catherinehammerton, @garydrostle, @zoewilsoncarving, @micheleoberdieck, @jarradbelton, @epic_kin_designs, @veritypulfordartist, and @louisa_boyd.

#Decorex2026 #makingspaces #reportingtoinspire #craftsmanship #artisan @decorex_international

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Just some materials and products we liked from our visit to @decorex_international this week...

We particularly loved the upcycled veneers used in Eleanor Pickin’s work @epic_kin_designs and London-based sculptor Matt Kavanagh’s use of fallen hardwood trees in his work, both part of the Making Spaces presentation @mattdiplomat

#decorex
#decorexinternational
#interiordesignlondon
#olympia

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It's been a good and busy Saturday at Crafted Futures at @oxotowerwharf . Nice to see some @design_nationuk members visit. Now back to the Isle of Sheppey for the last time. Tomorrow is the last day to visit before it comes down on Monday.

High speed train time 🚄

#Craft🧡

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As well as Crafted Futures in London, we’re delighted to have a group exhibition at @watersidearts_ in Manchester, open until Saturday 3 October.

What is Precious? brings together a selection of Design-Nation members from our Sustainability Hub, exploring how we value materials and challenging our perceptions of what is truly precious.

Through contemporary craft practice, the exhibition considers sustainability, materiality and the stories behind the things we make and value.

A huge thank you to @michellekeelingcurator for curating the third iteration of What is Precious?

#DesignNation #WhatisPrecious #Sustainability #ContemporaryCraft #craftanddesign

If you are interested in touring this exhibition please contact info@designnation.co.uk

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We are thrilled to announce that ‘What is Precious?’ is returning to @watersidearts_ in a 3rd iteration of our acclaimed touring exhibition.

Originally developed through Design-Nation’s Sustainability and Ethical Practice group, the exhibition brings together the work of 20 contemporary makers who are rethinking the value of materials through innovative craft and design.

The exhibition is presented in partnership with the @creative_industries_

Selected Artists
@janebevanartist / @lizblyth_designs / @carolinebrogden / @tracycaldah_art / @nerissact / @eechanjewellery / @m.dcoupland / @su_france_designs / @kerry_hastings_ceramics / @yukajourdainjewellery / @kasasagi.design / @mattdiplomat / @joannelambstudio / @hannahlaneartworks / @pennymaltbymaker / @mandynash / @lucyjnewman / @designsbykathrynstevens / @rosalindstoddart / @carolavandyke / @balanced_earth_norfolk

#DesignNation
#WhatisPrecious
#WatersideArts

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We are open!
Perfect Sunday afternoon celebrating the very best craftsmanship and creativity in the heart of Shoreditch @83rivingtonstreet

Free entry today. Meet the makers and discover the latest collections in contemporary crafts and take piece home with you.

Open until 6pm today! Details below.

▪️Future Icons Selects
▪️@83rivingtonstreet
▪️15-21 May, 12,-6pm daily
▪️Closed Monday 18 May
▪️A&D Tours 19-21 May, pre-book via louisa@futureicons.co.uk
▪️Full information & free tickets in bio

#futureicons #futureiconsselects #londoncraftweek #craft

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LCW Day 2, part 12. I wandered through the City of London from @pewterlive up to Shoreditch for the pv of @futureiconsselects in Rivington Street. Saw so many people and it was packed! So many amazing makers and friends on show. Great to meet lots of @design_nationuk members either showing or visiting. More selfies tomorrow when I go back 😊

What a long day, a lot of people and Craft! My legs ache and my back is sore but it's been great to see and catch up with people. 😴🤪🧡

#Craft🧡
#Craftyrailtrip
#LondonCraftWeek

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So pleased to be in @craftscouncil TOP TEN to visit for @londoncraftweek at the @gardenmuseum with the wonderful @them.outdoors hope to see you there 🌱
Repost from @craftscouncil #cc
•
London Craft Week (@londoncraftweek) opens on Monday 11 May, and we can’t wait!

To help you get started on planning your week, we’ve curated a selection of exhibitions and events featuring ten of our Crafts Council members. #CCMember

Featuring:
🌟Artisan shoemakers Carréducker (@carreducker)
🌟Ceramic artist Julie Massie (@juliemassieceramics)
🌟Textile artist Jennifer Shellard (@jennifer.shellard)
🌟Woodturner and artist Jason Lock (@jasonlockwoodturning)
🌟Artist and sculptor Julia Clarke (@juliaclarkeartist)
🌟Bookbinder Megan Stallworthy of Celandine Books (@celandine.books)
🌟Artist and printmaker Neera Sehgal (@neerscreenprints)
🌟Glassblower Stewart Hearn (@londonglassworks)
🌟Jewellery designer Catherine Marche (@catherinemarche)
🌟Sculptor, maker, and designer Matt Kavanagh (@mattdiplomat)

🔗 Tap the link in our bio to read the full list and start planning your itinerary.

📷: 1. Neera Sehgal’s V&A workshop. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
2. Days at Sea detail by Julie Massie. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
3. Norwegian maple bowl by Matt Kavanaugh. Photo: Amit Lennon

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@futureiconsselects returns to @londoncraftweek for its fourth edition at @83rivingtonstreet in Shoreditch. Running for seven days from 15-21st May (closed on Monday 18 May), this will be the exhibition’s longest and most ambitious edition to date. The show continues its mission to champion experimentation and the leading edge of contemporary craft, and we are curating its hospitality area for the duration of the show.

Spanning over 9,000 square feet, the exhibition will present the work of more than 60 emerging and established artisans, working across ceramics, textiles, metalwork, fine art and collectible design. With 95% of exhibitors based in the UK, Future Icons Selects stands as a powerful celebration of craft made in Britain, offering a rare platform that directly supports the country’s independent makers, studios and workshops.

Three expansive industrial arches will be transformed into a carefully curated, immersive exhibition environment, while the outdoor terrace garden will act as a social and cultural hub throughout the week, hosting a programme of food, drink and informal gatherings designed to encourage dialogue between makers, collectors and the wider creative community.

Positioned as the largest collective showcase of craft makers during London Craft Week 2026, Future Icons Selects is driven by a clear mission: to create meaningful visibility and sustainable commercial opportunities for contemporary artisans. While welcoming a small number of international voices, the exhibition is firmly rooted in the UK, reflecting the depth, diversity and global relevance of British craft today. By foregrounding local production, material knowledge and skilled handmaking, the show actively contributes to the growth and resilience of the UK’s craft economy.

Tickets are free to attend and we hope you can join us between the 15th and 21st of May, visit the link in our bio to discover and secure your tickets today.

#futureiconsselects #londoncraftweek #adornthecommon #contemporaryart #clerkenwelldesignweek

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📢Artist Spotlight: Matt Kavanagh

As we count down to the Annual Open Studios Weekend on 16 & 17 May, we’re excited to introduce you to the creative world of Matt Kavanagh.

Matt is a London‑based sculptor, maker and designer with a background in furniture and product design. Known for developing complex organic forms through his former design partnership Diplomat, his practice centres on innovation, experimentation, and material-led exploration across furniture, product and lighting.

Sustainability is a consistent theme in his work. In 2019 he began transforming salvaged nitrous oxide canisters into sculptural lighting, resulting in NOS SPHERE (2020) — featured in the Financial Times and awarded both the European Product Design Award and the Build Back Better Green Award.

His recent focus is a growing collection of functional timber sculptures crafted from fallen hardwood trees across South London. Each piece carries the tree’s geo‑coordinates, becoming a geographic relic that links memory, location and craftsmanship, and reflects the evolving natural landscape of the city.

Visit the Studio: AL01

See Matt’s work during our upcoming Open Studios, alongside more than 120 practitioners across the Foundry and Foreshore communities.

• Dates: 16 & 17 May

• Times: 11:00 – 18:00

• Location: Second Floor Studios & Arts (Deptford)

Whether you’re a collector seeking commission‑free work or a neighbour exploring the 30+ disciplines within our studios, it’s the perfect chance to experience creativity up close.

Connect with the Artist

Instagram: @mattdiplomat

Web: mattkavanagh.com

Plan your visit at www.secondfloor.co.uk — we look forward to welcoming you!

@secondfloorstudios
@shapeslewisham

#artistspotlight #openstudioslondon #scupltureart #SurstainableDesign #londonartists

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Introducing woodworker designer and artist @mattdiplomat 🙌🙌🙌

Follow Matt's IG to view further collections and links to her website.

#futureiconselects #mattkavanagh #woodwork #designer #londoncraftweek

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