Power of Making at the V & A

Power of Making has been jointly organised by the V&A and the Crafts Council to promote the idea that making things is awesome, an idea that already has my full support leaving me slightly at a loss as to what to say about it. It's not really about making anything in particular, or using a certain material or technique, it's just all about how great it can be to learn a skill and apply it to make interesting things.

King Silver Gorilla by David Mach

Crowded into the Porter Gallery are dozens of unusual objects, each made with different techniques and materials, but all demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship. Accompanying many of the pieces are stories about their creation from their makers. Shown alongside the objects is some commissioned documentary footage from various studios and factories, and members of the public are invited to submit short films about making, the best of which will also be screened in the exhibition.

Prosthetic suit for Stephen Hawking with Japanese Steel by Michael Rea

It's a great show: the pieces are fascinating and there's a huge range of crafts on display. As I said above, it's central premise is one that I already agree with and I suspect that most, if not all, people who go to see it will also agree with it. Presumably it's intended to inspire more people to make things, but I wonder if people who weren't already interested in making would bother with it.

God Save the King, F*ck Hitler by Major A. T. Casdagli (This one needs an explanation - Major Casdagli embroidered this while a prisoner of war during WWII. The dots in the borders are actually a hidden message in Morse code that spells out the title of the piece. If you think this man sounds amazing you'll be interested to know that you can buy his wartime memoirs - illustrated with examples of his embroideries - here.)

Lego frog dissection by David Kaleta

Six-necked guitar by Gary Hutchins

Crochetdermy bear by Shauna Richardson

I didn't make a note of who made this and despite my best efforts I can't find any information online. If anyone knows who made it, let me know! Santa Muerta mask by Dennis McNett