Introduction:
Hidden Art have been running for 22 years, initially as Mazorca Projects. The first Open Studios event as Hidden Art was held in Hackney in 1994. Ever since then we've been helping designers and designer-makers in London and across the UK.
With the news of our closure in 2011, we've updated this timeline to show some our successes and achievements over the last 22 years.
1994
1st "Hidden Art of Hackney" Open Studios
Mazorca Projects brings together a group of designer-makers all living or working in Hackney - the Hackney Contemporaries. The aim: to promote Hackney and the skills of its designer-makers to new markets in the UK and Europe.
“to show the quality of work being made here by designer-makers to help counteract the perception that the public and the press had about Hackney at that time.” Karen Bunting, founder of the Hackney Contemporaries.
43 designer-makers participated and 1,500 members of the public visited.
1995
2nd Hidden Art Open Studios
With 67 participating designer-makers and over 3,000 visitors, this event included the now well known Hidden Art Map.
Launch of the Hidden Art Schools Project
1996
3rd Hidden Art Open Studios
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- Open Studios 1996
Using the empty buildings in Broadway Market as venues. The area has now become a thriving market once again.
"Hidden Art weekends illustrate London’s booming art network.’" Evening Standard, 18th Dec ‘96
Launch of the first website: made-in-hackney.co.uk
1997
4th Hidden Art Open Studios
The Furniture Directory – first launched in 1995, becomes an invaluable resource, featuring over 130 designer-makers and manufacturers.
The Geffrye Museum & Hidden Art collaborate with a joint stand at 100% Design
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- 100% Design 1997-98
“‘In Hackney we have an explosion of design talent, that can supply the demand for individuality and style – if London did but realise it.” David Dewing, Director, Geffrye Museum.
1998
5th Hidden Art Open Studios
Expands to include Clerkenwell, Tower Hamlets and Hackney, taking place over three weekends, and includes bus and rickshaw transport linking the studios.
Geffrye Design Centre opens promoting the best in contemporary design.
Hidden Art 's 1st solo stand at 100% Design, Now a recognised feature of the event.
Launch of the Hidden Art Quarterly Newsletter, communicating news and information with all the members of the Hidden Art network.
1999
6th Open Studios & Hidden Art Design Fair
The first Hidden Art Fair brings designer-maker together at Broadway Market, the East London Design Show, Pennybank Showcase and Bishopsgate Goods Yard.
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- Bishopsgate Launch
“The enthusiasm and excitement of other participants, the dedication and friendliness of the Hidden Art team… the contacts made before, during and after the event.” Rebecca Skeels – Jeweller
2000
7th Hidden Art Open Studios
285 studios opened: designer-makers participated, with over 37,000 visitors.
“Bringing together huge amounts of talent makes me proud to live and work in the area.” Della Tinsley - Glass Maker
New York's International Contemporary Furniture Fair
Hidden Art stages a showcase of a group of members.
Hidden Art Schools Project
Includes an exhibition showing a selection of artwork by pupils from over 40 participating schools. Over 1000 pupils' work is featured on Arriva buses and the Docklands Light Railway trains.
1st Hidden Art Festival & Forum
The first discussion Forum focusing on putting work into production, complemented by a selected exhibition showcasing 16 leading East London designer-makers.
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- Forum 2000
East London Design Directory
Hidden Art produces an illustrated handbook of over 140 designer-makers, manufacturers and specialist suppliers in East London, helping to build relationships between them.
2001
8th Open Studios & Hidden Art Design Fair
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- Sophie McCartney Ceramics
In the run-up to this event a record 250,000+ hits were made on the Hidden Art website
“One-off crafted Christmas gifts don’t have to cost a fortune but they can’t always be bought last-minute. Open studio days help you find beautiful and unique presents” Corinne Julius, Evening Standard, Nov 2001
2nd Hidden Art Forum held at Excel.
Launch of new Web Portal – www.hiddenart.com
2002
9th Open Studios & Hidden Art Design Fair
Now extended to include the Ecology Centre in Mile End Park. Nine Russian designer-makers exhibited at the Fair.
“For sheer size, exuberance and depth of coverage you can’t do better then Hidden Art, Europe’s largest Open Studios Event.” Home and Garden 2002.Design & Manufacture Pilot Project Launch
Nine designer-makers are selected and paired with manufacturers to develop their prototypes. This work is shown at 100% Guaranteed.
Salone del Mobile / Milan Furniture Fair
Hidden Art undertakes a research trip to the world’s largest furniture fair – now a regular exhibition venue for Hidden Art designer-makers.
Opening of The Bureau- A multimedia resource at Mazorca Projects.
St. Petersburg Pilot Study - Researching ways to extend Hidden Art services abroad
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- Hidden Art Schools Project 2002
2003
10th Open Studios & Hidden Art Fair
The Hidden Art website receives 1 million hits during November.
Launch of the Hidden Art Magazine - Quarterly colour magazine replaces the newsletter.
Hidden Art in Milan
“Hidden Art has become a winter tradition to thousands of visitors eager to buy or commission direct from designer makers.” What’s On in London, 20th Nov 2002.Visit to Mazorca Projects by Vietnamese Delegation.
Hidden Art at 100% Design
Launches ten designer-makers, one of whom is shortlisted for Best Newcomer award.
4thHidden Art Forum - Two days of discussions on design and manufacture, held at London Metropolitan University.
2004
11thChristmas Open Studios and First Hidden Art ShopReaching our first decade, we open a temporary Christmas Shop, at the Old Truman Brewery.
Hidden Art Revealed
A retrospective exhibition celebrating 10 years of Hidden Art opens at the Geffrye Museum in September.
Design London showcase at the Milan Furniture Fair
The work of 40 London based designer-makers and manufacturers is showcased under the banner Design London. Organised by Hidden Art in conjunction with Design-Nation, Furniture Works and Furniture Link.
5thHidden Art ForumHeld at London Metropolitan University.
Hidden Art Stand at 100% DesignShowcase of 11 designer-makers, one of whom is shortlisted for Best Newcomer award.
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- 100% Design Stand
1st Hidden Art Open Studios September
Our signature event makes a debut appearance during 100& Guaranteed and the London Design Festival with 14 selected studios.
Launch of the Pool of Specialists
2005
Launch of Hidden Art Pilot Franchise
Mazorca Projects’ success over the past 10 years helps secure Phoenix Funding to run pilot Hidden Art franchises within England, as social enterprises.
Hidden Art in Milan for the 5th year - April - coordinating Design London.
Brokerage service is launched with the support of CTO manufacturing.
6th Hidden Art Forum, 13/14 June
Hidden Art at Big Chill
Hidden Art at 100% Design, 9th year.
Winner of 100% Design/Blueprint "Best Contribution to Show" Award.
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Magnus Long at 100% Design
Includes designer-makers from Hidden Art Cornwall
Hidden Art E-shop goes live - 13 October 2005
Hidden Art Cornwall official launch event, 11 November
Hidden Art Schools project - 10th Anniversary.
12th Open Studios (26th - 27th November and 3-4 December)
Hidden Art Awards
Hidden Art wins " Best Social Enterprise in Hackney" Award
Canary Wharf Showcase