Design: Design News

FOR THOSE in search of one-off presents - for themselves, for example - Contemporary Crafts' seasonal show may well be the answer. Thirty designers and craftspeople have contributed objects of delight, from steel- mesh pod and leaf mobiles by Amanda Bright, to enamel brooches by Judy McCaig.

Contemporary Crafts is at Avant Garden, 77 Ledbury Road, London W11; until 24 December, Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 2-6pm (0171 243 4855)

SOTHEBY'S BESTOWS glamour to the miserable business of late-night Christmas shopping with a sale of selected items including jewellery, wine, rugs, pictures and silver, on 15 December at 6.30pm. Prices start at pounds 50, and a gift wrap service is available.

At Sotheby's, 34-35 New Bond St, London W1 (0171 408 5152), viewing Fri 12 Dec, 9am-4.30pm; Sun 14, 12 noon-4pm; and Mon 15, 9am-5.30pm

IF LEATHER, fake fur and feathers are your thing, snuggle up to Samson Saboye's throws and cushions. These are not your average home accessories, but the work, it's claimed, of "a true Afro-futurist".

At Bowwow, 70 Princedale Road, London W11, until 24 December, 10am-6pm (0171 792 8532)

NINE MEMORIAL exhibitions mark the first anniversary of the death of the potter R J Washington (1913-97). A pupil of William Staite Murray (Bernard Leach's competitor for the title of Britain's first studio potter) and like him the maker of tall, tapering pots - some fashioned as women - Washington worked and taught in clay for more than 60 years.

The restrospective at Chelmsford & Essex Museum (01245 353066) runs until 7 Feb 1999. Smaller shows at: V&A, London, until 31 Dec (0171 938 8500); Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge until 20 Dec (01223 332900); Paul Rice Gallery, London until 19 Dec (0181 992 4186); Birmingham City Museum & Art Gallery until 10 Jan 1999 (0121 303 2834); Cleveland Craft Centre, Middlesbrough until 4 Jan 1999 (01642 262376); The Potteries Museum, Stoke-on-Trent until 31 March 1999 (01782 232323); Portsmouth City Museum until 15 Jan 1999 (01705 827261)