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Material Worlds: Craft, Texture and Design

A contemporary exhibition exploring craft, texture and design, curated by Contemporary Collective x DA Gallery.

From 20 July to the end of September 2026, we are delighted to present Material Worlds, a curated exhibition exploring the relationship between fine art, textiles, craft and design. Bringing together five contemporary artists, including three former Bankside Hotel Artists in Residence, the exhibition celebrates material as both medium and message, showcasing practices that transform thread, pigment, plaster, wood, wax, fabric and found materials into works of remarkable depth and beauty.

Echoing the words of William Morris, whose belief in craftsmanship and beauty continues to inspire artists and designers today:

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
William Morris

Working across painting, textiles, sculpture and mixed media, each artist explores texture, form and process uniquely. Layered surfaces, sculptural textiles, hand-finished details and experimental techniques reveal how materials can communicate memory, movement and emotion, inviting visitors to look beyond the surface and appreciate the craftsmanship behind every piece.

At Bankside Hotel, creativity is woven into every guest experience. Material Worlds continues this philosophy, showcasing artists whose work demonstrates how thoughtful craftsmanship and innovative design can transform everyday materials into extraordinary works of art. The inclusion of former Artists in Residence alongside new voices reflects the lasting creative relationships fostered at Bankside and our ongoing commitment to supporting artists beyond their residency.

Whether you’re staying with us, visiting Bankside or simply looking to discover contemporary art, we invite you to explore Material Worlds and experience the creativity of these exceptional artists.

The exhibition is on display in the White Box Gallery at Bankside Hotel from 20 July until the end of September 2026.

If you are planning a visit specifically to see the exhibition, we recommend calling ahead to confirm opening times. Please contact the hotel on +44 (0)20 3319 5988.

The Artists

Material Worlds brings together artists whose practices explore texture, form and process, creating a dialogue between contemporary art and the designed environment it inhabits. Working across painting, textiles, sculpture and mixed media, each artist offers a distinctive perspective on materiality, revealing how craftsmanship and process can shape meaning as much as the finished work.

Sarah Emily Porter
Sarah Emily Porter explores the relationship between colour, gravity and material behaviour. Through poured paint and carefully constructed compositions, her work celebrates movement, rhythm and the expressive possibilities of surface.

Imogen Morris
Imogen Morris transforms thread into a contemporary drawing medium, creating intricate portraits using nails and hand-woven lines. Her meticulous process blurs the boundaries between fine art, craft and textile practice.

Lana Matsuyama
Drawing on painting, sculpture and installation, Lana Matsuyama creates meditative works inspired by identity, memory and Japanese aesthetics. Layered materials and restrained palettes invite quiet contemplation of texture and form.

Charlotte Fleming
Charlotte Fleming combines botanical imagery, precious materials and intuitive mark-making to create richly textured works inspired by the natural world. Her paintings balance delicacy and drama through layers of ink, gold and glass.

Matterrosa
Matterrosa merges advanced digital fabrication with traditional embroidery techniques to create sculptural textile reliefs. Their innovative practice transforms fabric into architectural artworks where texture, light and craftsmanship become one.