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Clerkenwell Design Week: what to see and do
From showcases to panel discussions, this is our must-see guide to the annual London design fair
Clerkenwell Design Week (24 - 26th May) is a chance for design lovers to gather in the showrooms and studios of EC1 to discover what’s new and what’s next in the worlds of furniture, interiors and much more. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the festival’s most interesting talks, workshops, exhibitions and installations to whet your appetite. Find the full programme at clerkenwelldesignweek.com.
The new collection
Benchmark is launching a new collection of adaptable furniture for the workplace, including a modular workbench system and sit-stand desk. Made from American red oak and British-grown ash salvaged from trees stricken with ash dieback, the designs will be on show at the British Collection exhibition at St James’ Crypt on Clerkenwell Green, alongside Pascal Hien’s ‘Migo’ stool. benchmarkfurniture.com
The debates to join
Conversations at Clerkenwell sees established names and emerging talent discussing the big issues facing the design community today at the Clerkenwell Talks Space (see top). Tom Dixon will be kicking things off on 24 May. Other highlights include a talk with the lead architecture practise for the Elizabeth Line, and Adam Nathaniel Furman and Joshua Mardell sharing examples of ‘queer spaces’ in a discussion on LGBTQIA+ life, past and present. clerkenwelldesignweek.com
The workshop
Edward Bulmer Natural Paint will be hosting an interactive art workshop with The Crossover Project, a new initiative connecting the design, fashion and art worlds in a bid to reduce waste. Led by an all-female trio of emerging talent – artists Joanna Layla, Beth Fraser and Nicole Chui – ‘Make Art, Not Waste’ will allow guests to create art using waste materials. The event is being co-hosted by Fritz Fryer Lighting at its new Albemarle Way showroom. clerkenwelldesignweek.com
The sustainable table
British furniture brand Another Country launches its new ‘Work Series Two’ table at the British Collection showcase in the Crypt on the Green. Embracing biophilic and WELL Standard principles, the table’s frame is made from Portuguese eucalyptus wood while the removable terrazzo-style top is made from recycled yoghurt pots (complete with metallic flecks from the foil lids) - the result of a collaboration with Smile Plastics. anothercountry.com
The panel discussion
Bathroom brand Coalbrook is partnering with the Material Matters podcast to host a panel discussion on The Future of Materials at its showroom, The Market Building. The discussion will explore the role of materials in architecture, as well as the broader question of how materials will shape our future. coalbrookuk.co.uk
The quiet moment
If all the excitement is leaving you feeling a little frazzled, head for Ultrafabrics’ peaceful showroom, where a programme of thought-provoking talks, guided meditation and even a herbal tea blending workshop will help you reset. In a specially designed installation, the fabric brand is presenting ‘Hush: The Volume of Colour’, a palette of 13 white and off-white fabrics chosen to engage the senses and enhance a sense of tranquillity. ultrafabrics.com
The colourful collaboration
Artist Lois O’Hara has collaborated with Duffy London on a bespoke limited-edition version of its Swing Table, which will be on display next to the entrance of Projects St James’ Green. You’ll also see examples of her colourful style dotted around Clerkenwell, as she has created murals and signage for the event. duffylondon.com
The talk (plus pintxos)
Ondarreta joins fellow Basque furniture brand Treku to host a talk with Clara del Portillo, co-founder of Valencian multidisciplinary design studio Yonoh Creative Studio about creating ‘Lana’, a family of lounge furniture and the ‘Bost’ modular shelving system. After the talk, guests can join a ‘Make your Own Pintxo’ workshop while checking out the new Basque Living London showroom. eventbrite.co.uk
The art installation
VitrA Bathrooms has commissioned artist Lothar Götz to create Colour Rush for its showroom in the Turnmill Building. It is also hosting a panel talk called ‘Colour + Me’ in its showroom on Tuesday 24 May with colour expert and trend forecaster, Jane Boddy, Lothar Götz, Rhonda Drakeford of Studio Rhonda and Darkroom and VitrA Design Director Erdem Akan. london.vitra.co.uk
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