Crafts Council has announced the appointment of TF Chan as the new Fair Director for Collect, the leading international art fair for contemporary craft and design held annually in February at Somerset House, London.
TF Chan brings a plethora of experience to the Collect team. As an arts and culture editor and journalist, he began his editorial career at the international design and lifestyle title Wallpaper*, and served as the magazine’s editor from 2020-23.
As a freelance writer, he has contributed to publications including The World of Interiors, Monocle, Icon and Ark Journal. His first book, a monograph on the leading Danish lighting company Louis Poulsen, was published by Phaidon Press in 2024.
TF also worked as communications consultant and chief of staff to the Pritzker Prize-winning architect David Chipperfield, and a content strategist for emerging creative businesses and lifestyle brands.
Born in Hong Kong, he completed his undergraduate studies at Princeton University, New Jersey, before moving to London in 2012.
TF Chan writes,
“it is a great honour to take on the role of Collect Fair Director. The fair occupies a unique position in the contemporary design and craft landscape, and I am committed to stewarding its industry renown while expanding its reach through new audiences and partners. I look forward to working with the experienced and dedicated team at Collect to celebrate creativity and craft, tell new stories, and take the fair to new heights.”
Natalie Melton, Executive Director, Crafts Council writes,
“In a very strong field of candidates, TF stood out for his deeply considered perspective on the unique qualities of Collect and a clear understanding of where opportunity lay to evolve the fair. The interview panel felt that his skills and experience would complement and add value to the brilliant team that have now worked on Collect for a number of years.”
Melton continues,
“I would like to thank Daniella Wells who has been leading Collect whilst we recruited a new fair director. Having been with the fair since its inception, Daniella will remain as fair consultant. We are delighted that she will continue to bring her invaluable market knowledge and expertise in collectable craft to the fair.”
TF will join the Collect team at the end of May 2025.
About
Presented by Crafts Council, Collect is the leading international art fair for contemporary craft and design taking place annually in the stunning setting of Somerset House, London.
Having honed its distinctive edge over 22 years, Collect presents to collectors, interior designers, art advisors and patrons, 40 exciting galleries and its Collect Open programme, together showcasing over 400 of the most exceptional contemporary craft artists making work today. Work includes ceramic, furniture, glass, jewellery, metalwork, sculpture, textiles, woodwork and more. Each piece is made by hand and has a rich narrative to tell.
Positioned at the forefront of the contemporary craft movement, Collect is approved by an external advisory panel, ensuring over 80% of the work has been made in the past five years, with many newly commissioned pieces especially for the fair.
The next edition of Collect will take place at Somerset House, London from 27th February – 1st March 2026 (previews 25th – 26th February). @collectartfair
The Crafts Council is the national charity for craft. We believe craft skills and knowledge enrich and uplift us as individuals and can change our world for the better.
Through our activities we inspire making, empower learning and nurture craft businesses. We do this by championing craft and its positive impact on society, increasing levels of craft education and participation, growing the market for craft, and by building a sustainable and inclusive craft sector. @craftscouncil
