A LONDON exhibition for a £10,000 craft prize is paying a visit to Mottisfont this month.

The Woman's Hour Craft Prize is a national competition, which was entered by 1,500 people this year, and is in association with the Crafts Council.

Now, the 12 finalists who had submitted work in a bid for the top prize will have their work on shop at Mottisfont on April 25.

It is one of the first locations to host the country-wide tour.

Twenty-nine judges of experts whittled down the applications from 1,500 to 12, with the figures ranging from a bespoke bicycle to futuristic glass figures.

Alun Graves, senior curator of ceramics and glass said: "The 12 finalists for the Woman's Hour Craft Prize demonstrate the depth and breadth to be found in contemporary craft practice in the UK.

"A brilliant array of talent, they represent diverse approaches and work across a range of media, creating sculptural installations and performances to refined bespoke design. Challenging, thought-provoking, yet often exquisitely beautiful, their work is craft for our time, reflecting and engaging with the world today."

Annie Warburton, creative director of the Crafts Council, said the jury's high expectations had already been surpassed by the entries.

She said: "The 12 Woman's Hour Craft Prize finalists embody the vibrancy, energy and ingenuity of contemporary craft.

"The expert jury's already high expectations were surpassed by the astonishing quality of entries, making for some intriguing debates and challenging decisions.

"What's without question is the current confidence and vitality in craft. Representing a breadth of material practice and variety of approaches, the 12 finalists are united by their consummate skill and artistry."

Among the entries is a dissolving fountain made from raw clay, a bespoke bicycle and a series of politically inspired pin badges by Lin Cheung, who designed the 2012 Paralympic medals.

The exhibition runs from April 25 until June 24, and the Mottisfont gallery opens at 11am and closes at 5pm.