The Best Exhibitions Celebrating British Craft, Design, and Architecture

This year, exhibitions across the UK showcase British craft, design, and architecture practices. Placing artistry and tactility at their core, they feature major new commissions by artists working in ceramics, textiles, and willow, including Grayson Perry and Laura Ellen Bacon, whose immersive works at Yorkshire Sculpture Park create a compelling sensory experience. Additionally, historical shows uncover lesser known practices, including a showcase of 20th century painter Winifred Nicholson’s own rag rug creations and collection happening in Carlisle. Read on to explore time-honoured techniques and contemporary creativity that defines today’s British craft, design and architecture.

Felicity Aylieff: Expressions in Blue at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Expressions in Blue is an extraordinary exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, where visitors will be dwarfed by a forest of monumental porcelain sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff. Thrown by hand, the sculptures stand up to five meters high and feature classic colours associated with Chinese porcelain. Shown in the light-filled gallery at The Weston and outdoors in the landscape, it provides the perfect starting point for a visit to YSP this spring. Entry to The Weston is free, with tickets to visit YSP available from £9.50. Parking is complimentary, and children can visit for free. Discover the exhibition until 14 September 2025.

Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur at The Wallace Collection

Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur presents over 40 new works by Sir Grayson Perry (1960). In the largest contemporary exhibition ever held at the museum, visitors will encounter ceramics, tapestries, and works on paper, among others, displayed alongside masterpieces from the collection that have influenced Perry’s vision for this landmark show. Standard tickets are £15, with concessions available. The exhibition runs until 26 October 2025.

Laura Ellen Bacon: Into Being at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Plan a visit to Yorkshire Sculpture Park this Easter to discover Into Being, an immersive sculptural installation by Derbyshire-based artist Laura Ellen Bacon. Created inside the historic Chapel during an eight-week installation process, the sculpture is made from Somerset willow – a sustainable material that Laura uses to create a compelling sensory experience.  Weave your way through the building to experience the flowing structure and stand within its embracing folds. Discover more with outdoor art trails, delicious food and new exhibitions to explore. Parking is complimentary, and children can visit for free. Discover the exhibition at YSP until 7 September 2025.

Winifred Nicholson: Cambrian Rag Rugs at Tullie

Winifred Nicholson (1893-1981) is best known for her paintings and her position as a highly respected figure in 20th-century British art. Winifred Nicholson: Cambrian Rag Rugs is the first exhibition dedicated to her relationship with the tradition of rag rug making. After learning the technique from a neighbour in 1923, Winifred became attached to the practice, eventually forming a collective of local makers in the rural farming community around her home at Bankshead on Hadrian's Wall. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Winifred encouraged friends and family to design rugs, which were then brought to life by the local makers. You'll be able to see some of these wonderful rugs in the exhibition. Entry is included with £15 admission (valid for 12 months) or an £8.50 day ticket. Children and under-18s go free. The exhibition runs from 5 April to 15 June 2025. Find out more about the exhibition here.

Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style at the Design Museum

A major exhibition celebrating our enduring love of the water over the last 100 years. Discover over 200 objects, collectively exploring swimming’s evolution in its social, cultural, technological and environmental contexts. Curated by Amber Butchar - a dress and design historian and broadcaster known for her history segments on BBC One’s The Great British Sewing Bee - there’s an amazing array of British design and architecture on display. Highlights include an early woollen swimsuit by British brand Jaeger, and a detailed architectural model of the Zaha Hadid-designed London 2012 Aquatics Centre. Until 17 August 2025. Find out more.

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