William Morris Gallery’s Róisín Inglesby will be joined in conversation by Sam Thorne, Director General & CEO of Japan House London, who has contributed to the major new publication ‘Mingei: Art without Heroes’ by Yale University Press accompanying the exhibition, to explore Mingei’s origins, interpretations and contemporary implications. The conversation will also touch upon the groundbreaking Mingei Film Archive project by filmmaker and producer Marty Gross, which restored and digitized archival film on Japanese craft. Footage from this project is part of the exhibition at William Morris Gallery, and a selection of the Archive’s short films will be shown at Japan House London in July.

After the event, guests are encouraged to visit the Design Discoveries exhibition in the Gallery at Japan House London, which will remain open until 8.30pm. Here, visitors can view Yanagi Sori’s Mingei cutlery on display alongside further contemporary design concepts.

Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event.