The Craft and the Makers

Craftsmanship is an expression of quality, passion, and mindset. This book is a showcase of crafted products created by small manufacturers. Craftsmanship is in more demand than ever and small manufacturers are experiencing an overwhelming renaissance. We are increasingly looking for products that last and have their own histories; things that meld form, function, and emotion into a compelling entity. This desire will continue to shape our attitudes toward consumer and luxury goods as well as innovation for the foreseeable future. Today, there are already many people who are not concerned with a logo, chasing the next trend, or contributing to a disposable society. They would rather seek objects of real value and own things with which they can truly identify. The Craft and the Makers showcases savvy businesses that are choosing to focus on craftsmanship and aiming to create things with a soul. A decisive role is played by melding tradition and innovation —from the raw materials used to the finished product. The book introduces small enterprises as well as the personalities that drive them. These artisans are using their skills to produce handicraft that meets the highest standards. Whether furniture, porcelain, or leather goods, all of the products featured here offer today’s true luxury: the perfect fusion of creativity and craftsmanship that results in quality and durability. Reflecting this spirit, every page is a testament to the products created with heart that are much more than a sum of their parts.

gestalten continues to actively reimagine the way in which we approach publishing. With our extensive range of titles, we not only seek to enhance and to enrich our reader's lives, but to continually engage with the surrounding creative landscape. Our origin story began with a focus on the aesthetic, particularly that of graphic design and, over the last two decades, the scope of both our content and our expertise has widened. Today, using a myriad of observations of culture, people, art, and other intimate, inspirational informants, we document and anticipate vital movements in architecture, visual culture, design & fashion, escapism, food & beverages, travel, and contemporary art. In 2014, Little Gestalten joined the literary ranks and ensured that there was a place for readers of all ages within the world of gestalten. The gestalten narrative exists beyond the textual realm; regardless of the medium at hand, gestalten wishes to inform and inspire our community. We welcome you to enter gestalten's world of creative culture, whether between our pages, indulging in images and films online or at one of our international events. We look forward to the result: mutual inspiration.