For almost 50 years, Adelaide’s Jam Factory has championed local crafts and craftspeople and been a hub for Australian contemporary design. The not-for-profit organisation – which has studios, galleries and shops in Adelaide’s west end, and in Seppeltsfield in the Barossa Valley – gives support and exposure to creatives across Australia.
The latest step in its commitment to Aussie craft is the launch of Jam, a locally designed and made collection of furniture, lighting, objects and homewares. The range includes stylish cheese knives, made-to-order chairs, warped-orb wall lights, timber side tables, glass bottles for cooking oil and elegant jugs.
As well as tapping into consumer demand, the collection is about ensuring the future and legacy of the Jam Factory, which was founded in 1973.
“We want to see Jam Factory adapt and thrive in a changing world so it’s around to celebrate its 100th birthday,” says creative director Emma Aiston. “This means we need to look at our offering and make sure it’s in line with what the market is after, while staying true to the essence of the organisation.”
Profits from the sales will be reinvested in Jam Factory’s training and education programs and roster of touring exhibitions.
While the exhibitions typically showcase the more artisanal and bespoke items produced at the Jam Factory studios, the Jam line is designed to have more commercial appeal.
“We wanted the collection to be ‘real’ and to include accessible, unique pieces that people can incorporate into their spaces and enjoy without having to live in a show home,” says Aiston.
While Jam had already been in development for some time, Covid provided an added impetus to ensure a strong commercial future for the 80-odd designers and makers that call the Jam Factory home.
“Things have been pretty grim for many creatives during this time,” says Aiston. “We’ve tried to use this opportunity to reassess what and how we do things, as well as take stock of the facilities and community we have around us and use this as motivation to move forward.”
Purchases can be shipped Australia-wide.
