The MADE NORTH Gallery at Yorkshire Artspace opened to the public on Thursday 27th September.  In their first exhibition, 'Designer Showcase', the gallery  presents a selection of some of most exciting designers and makers from the North of England. The exhibition has been  delivered in partnership with the Design Council and their Design Fund for Growth.

As well as presenting a range of new work by the most promising designer makers working in the North of England, the first exhibition features a special individual "Showcase: Lazerian/Six", charting the pioneering work of a creative practice that began in 2006, set up by Liam Hopkins, a Manchester born designer-maker. Lazerian are based in an ex- hat factory in Manchester, the practice is focused on the creation of functional objects through playful investigation of materials and processes, and seeks to imbue objects with a bit of soul. The practice works on a variety of projects, including furniture, interiors and objects. Their showcase at MADE NORTH will feature a new range of ceramics and accessories alongside furniture and lighting designs.

Also featuring in this first exhibition is "Launchpad: Daniel Schofield", an up and coming designer of contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories and recent graduate of Sheffield Hallam University. Daniel is based in his studio in Sheffield and specialises in mass produced and limited edition products. Daniel is showing a series of new products and prototypes.

Other works on show and for sale by David Appleyard, Anne Laycock, DED, Anthony Hartley, Designed Made, Deadgood Ltd, Swifty Scooters, Raskl, SuperFauna, John Green Designs, David Irwin, Polly Westergaard, REthinkthings and Jim Leach.

MADE NORTH at Yorkshire Artspace provides a creative platform that actively encourages and promotes understanding of contemporary northern craft and design. MADE NORTH will present new and experimental work by established and emerging northern designer/makers, introducing and promoting designer/makers and their work to a wider audience via a range of exhibitions at the gallery and through profiles on the 'MADE NORTH online showcase and store.

The exhibition will run from Thursday 27th September to Saturday 10th November. MADE NORTH is a project of Culture North and curated by Patrick Murphy. MADE North at Yorkshire Artspace is located at Persistence Works, 21 Brown Street, Sheffield S1 2BS.

Opening Times: Monday, Thursday, Friday 12 noon to 6pm, Saturdays 11am to 4pm. For further information visit www.madenorth.co.uk or email info@madenorth.co.uk. (or by appointment 07958 367808)

(pictured: Radiolarian Sofas by Lazerian)