National Theatre

Proposed Initiative: Artisan Revival – celebrating the National Theatre’s unique cultural heritage through sustainable design.

Artisan Revival is an innovative new income stream working with creators and makers to celebrate the National Theatre’s unique cultural story as the largest theatre factory in central London, where highly skilled makers create costumes, sets and props in the heart of the iconic brutalist building.

Existing waste streams – including heritage concrete and wood from the building itself – will be repurposed to create innovative and unique homewares and fashion, allowing customers to take a piece of the theatre home with them. The project will give the opportunity to share the theatre’s rich cultural heritage with a wider audience, to develop and nurture a community of craftspeople, and to work towards its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Artisan Revival aims to ensure that the retail offer reflects the dedication and hard work that takes place on and behind stage, a crucial model of regenerative retail for the future. The judges were impressed by the creativity of the project and how this work could inspire and inform other venues as they work towards their own sustainable goals.

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So much scope for this project, tapping into the booming pre-loved market. A great storytelling opportunity for marketing too.

The Judges