London Design Festival today announces details of the Partner programme for its 21st edition running from 16 – 24 September 2023.
Over nine days, Design Districts, Design Fairs and Partners will host over 300 events, sparking discovery through exhibits, installations, workshops and more. From Bankside to Battersea, Chelsea to Dalston, established neighbourhoods and new Design Districts will harness community spirit, bringing global talents and local makers together. Designers will showcase how they are rethinking spaces to nurture wellbeing, synthesising cutting-edge technology with age-old craft, and building a more ethical future through materials and making.
There will be 13 Design Districts as part of this year’s Festival each with its own unique personality that reflects the local community and enables visitors to explore events a short walking distance from each other. This year’s Districts are: Bankside Design District, Battersea Design District, Brompton Design District, Chelsea Design District, Dalston to Stokey Design District, Fitzrovia Design District, Greenwich Peninsula, Islington Design District, Kings Cross Design District, Mayfair Design District, Park Royal Design District, Shoreditch Design Triangle and Southwark Design District. As part of the Festival programme, London Design Festival stages major consumer and trade shows, known as Design Fairs (formerly Design Destinations). These are the commercial pillars of the Festival and are key meeting places for designers, manufacturers, buyers, specifiers, the media and design enthusiasts to discover new product releases and identify current trends. For this year’s Partner programme, and in line with its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the Festival has introduced Launch Pad, an initiative which aims to elevate designers who typically face barriers to accessing the Festival’s partnership scheme. Launch Pad enables emerging designers, recent graduates, charities, not-for-profit organisations and small businesses to participate in the programme, ensuring that a broad range of talent have an opportunity to showcase their work and connect with new audiences.
Ben Evans, London Design Festival Director, said: „Each year, London Design Festival provides a global platform for the city’s creative community to share their innovative ideas and connect with audiences from around the world. The 2023 edition arrives at an important moment when bringing people together through creativity and design matters more than ever. Across our Design Districts, Fairs and Partners, this year’s programme promises to spark discovery, build community, and drive progress through the power of design.”
Ian Burnell, Robinson House
Ian Burnell, Robinson House
DESIGN DISTRICTS
Bankside Design District
Home to Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market, plus a plethora of landmark commercial and residential developments, Bankside is one of the most visited districts in London. This year, LDF explores its creative and design communities through sustainable public realm activations, craft exhibitions, workshops, VR installations and more.
Winner of the ‘Public Medal’ at this year’s London Design Biennale, OpenWork I Açık Yapıt by Melek Zeynep Bulut will be a performative space and theatrical exhibition of transitions. Exploring themes of displacement and exchange via abstract and metaphorical ‘gates’ and ‘liminality’ that are created by the resonating audible surfaces. Like an instrument, they turn the installation into a game of ‘exchange’ with the touch of the visitor. The Tyre Collective will present From Pollution to Products, a collaborative project as part of the Terra Carta Design Lab which brings designers, material scientists and chemical engineers together to create objects and surfaces from tyre wear, the leading source of vehicle pollution. Chair of Virtue will present Prototype / in process – capturing intangible notions, their debut exhibition featuring sculptural chair prototypes from 12 established and emerging designers, exploring the idea of a prototype as raw and physical expression of a concept. The Hilton Flagship will install Marina Garlo’s debut piece, the GARLO I Chaise Longue in the hotel lobby, inviting visitors to experience and interact with the piece which is a harmonious blend of light, art installation and furniture.
The Tyre Collective_Amount of tyre wear produced by different vehicles
From millinery to ceramics, weaving to leatherworking and much more, Oxo Tower Wharf is a haven for the design and craft-curious. During LDF, visitors can explore over 25 designer-maker open studios across two floors of the riverside landmark. The Material Matters fair will return to Bargehouse at Oxo Tower Wharf from 20 – 23 September after its successful debut last year.
Simone Brewster, photo credit: London Design Festival
Bankside will also host a number of special talks and discussions: Sea Containers and NOW Gallery will host a talk and reception with designer Simone Brewster. Manyone London will host Entertain, Education, Include, a double header on new frontiers facing design practice today featuring Moonbug and Lego in a conversation about engagement through design and Neurodivergence by Design, which explores how we include everyone in design practice.
District Late: Thursday 21 September
Battersea Design District
Battersea is renowned for its pioneering design heritage – from the first public telegraph, to early developments in rail and aviation manufacture, and its eponymous power station. The tradition continues with the recent opening of a new Royal College of Art ‘design and innovation’ campus and now, notably, in its inaugural appearance as an LDF design district.
Ingate Works will open its doors for London Design Festival, hosting established and emerging designers and makers in a creative takeover. Featuring work from Wandsworth-based artists, Royal College of Art recent graduates and a handful of designers from further afield, Ingate Works Takeover will be a chance to see several designers’ creations all in one space, with a series of live events taking place on Wednesday 20 September. Allies & Morrison with Wandsworth and Lambeth Council will present a discussion featuring a selection of architects to share how reimagining the 250 arches that make up this Victorian low line could provide residents, local workers and visitors with a new way to experience this exciting part of London.
Battersea Nine Elms has attracted illustrious architects, institutions and businesses, and is also the home and workplace of people since before the project, and of those who moved here because of it. History Speak’s Art and Architecture Walking Tours will allow visitors to discover iconic works as well as explore the history, future and lived experience of the area through its art and architecture. Stewarts Road, Battersea Park Road and Thessaly Road Public Realm Improvements – a people driven workshop organised by Wandsworth Council and Exterior Architecture. This workshop will include a walk around areas of Thessaly Road, Battersea Park Road and Stewarts Road that Wandsworth Council are looking to improve, followed by an hour of co-design and conversation at Mondo Brewery.
District Late: Wednesday 20 September
Brompton Design District
Brompton Design District is the oldest of London Design Festival’s Design Districts and is unique in its close dialogue between established design brands and a temporary programme curated by Jane Withers Studio around an annual theme. This year’s curatorial theme, ‘Conviviality – The Art of Living Together’, celebrates design’s ability to connect us with the people and places around us; bringing together global design brands, independent designers and cultural institutions to present an engaging programme of exhibits, talks and installations.
As part of the curated programme, Fels Gallery in collaboration with Grymsdyke Farm will present Farm Shop, where over 15 designers will develop a new homewares collection following residencies at Grymsdyke Farm. Rio Kobayashi will host his first solo exhibition, inviting his friends to collaborate on designing a convivial space to host parties, meals, screenings and to introduce a range of products and furniture. Peter PiIlotto and Christopher De Vos will return to Brompton Design District as PPCDV, whose exhibition Phase 2 showcases a new collection merging fashion and interiors. The New Craftsmen will present new pieces from designers Matthew Raw, Bibbings & Hensby and Studio AMOS among others in Join, Assemble, Hold. Brompton Design District will close a street for the festival as Eva Feldkamp and the team All in Awe collaborate with the local community on an outdoor design installation All Together at Egerton Gardens.
Pentagram, Cass Art and Bags of Ethics have collaborated on the redesign of the humble Tote Bag. The project includes 12 unique bag designs which will be exhibited alongside prototypes, mock ups and original artworks. SCENTMATIC returns to LDF with KAORIUM, the world’s first AI system that can express each scent and flavour using a wide range of vocabulary to bring delightful encounters with unexpected scents. Working with sound artist, designer, and electronic musician, Yuri Suzuki, the Shop at Japan House London will feature two window installations as well as products including Suzuki’s ‘Ambient Machine’ which allows visitors to design their own background ambience.
German luxury lighting brand Occhio described as ‘a new culture of light’, will invite visitors to view the brand new Luna Collection before its international release in October. Sub-Zero Wolf will invite visitors to experience the brand’s range of products across refrigeration, indoor and alfresco cooking, wine cooling and countertop appliances. Visitors will be able to view their 2023 “Classic Series” Collection in their new contemporary art deco showroom and theatre kitchen.
Cassin Doge Laguna table by Carlo Scarpa, Image by Francesco Dolfo
Internationally renowned design brands will share their latest collections. Cassina will present its unique vision of the home, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iMaestri Collection with a preview of the book Echoes. Molteni&C’s newly styled flagship store will display products from the 2023 collection for the first time in the UK, alongside iconic pieces from Gio Ponti’s Heritage Collection and the Outdoor Collection. Meridiani’s London Showroom refreshes its look by presenting iconic and historic pieces alongside the 2023 collections. Giorgetti will present a special exhibition in collaboration with Pontone Gallery in the refurbished London Store showcasing the 2023 collection. B&B Italia will showcase its 2023 collection featuring indoor and outdoor pieces by designers including Piero Lissoni, Barber & Osgerby, Monica Armani and Gabriel Tan.
District Late: Thursday 21 September
Chelsea Design District
Established in 2019 to celebrate this rarefied area of West London’s extraordinary design heritage, Chelsea Design District explores the centuries-old legacy of bohemian free-thought and creativity that continues to flourish, with a wealth of independent artistry and artisanal marking – spanning architecture, interiors, fashion, jewellery and food.
Roca London Gallery will present ‘Small Spaces in the City: Rethinking inside the Box’, an exhibition curated by Clare Farrow Studio which examines the challenges of tiny homes in London, Tokyo, Berlin and other cities. Visitors will be able to explore the innovative solutions to small spaces with talks and events accompanying the exhibition. Anthropologie partners with Artfully Walls for an exhibition of contemporary fine art prints creating a visual journey of exceptional creativity and inspiration. Marthe Armitage Prints and design studio Sigmar will present printed textile and showcase a bespoke piece of upholstered furniture. Birdie Fortescue will host a live botanical casting demonstration with Edinburgh-based artist Katy Eccles followed by a Q&A.
Poggenpohl’s newly designed studio in Pimlico will host live cooking demonstrations in the ‘Chefs Kitchen’ in collaboration with Miele and chef Sven Hanson Britt. Carl Hansen & Søn will pay tribute to iconic designs by architect Kaare Klint with the Nature Collection. Ligne Roset Chelsea reissues the iconic Kashima Settee by Michel Ducaroy with a modern twist on the classic design. Lema will present an exclusive preview of the brand-new collection at its London Flagship Store. The new collection is a versatile and complete design symphony for the home, drawing on Lema’s unique traits of versatility, modularity and Made in Italy.
Birdie Fortescue. Image Macbie Photography
District Late: Thursday 21 September
Dalston to Stokey Design District
New for 2023, Dalston to Stokey features a panoply of creative businesses and individuals, with a strong sense of their own identity and a palpable pride in the vibrancy, community, and creativity they represent. As a fertile landscape for designer makers, arts, and culture, the curation will spotlight some of its brightest talents.
Print Club London will present Blisters: Time to Play, showcasing over 50 new and exclusive screenprint editions with artists responding to the theme of play. From fairground games to broader concepts about colour and abstraction, the show comprises an array of styles from street art to fine art illustration. The exhibition will be accompanied by a Free Art School run by experts from the Print Club community. L.F.Markey will present HAPPENSTANCE by Emily Forgot, featuring a collection of original maquettes, collages and textiles that embody the designer’s bold and graphic visual language and celebrate the tactility and beauty found in the imperfections of the handmade. Fred Rigby Studio and Monoware will present Sensory Living in a Modern Space, a selection of new furniture and new colourways for their Coffee and Dining Tables, alongside Monoware’s core collection and new range of limited edition made-to-order pieces. Atom Gallery will present recent lenticular artworks, objects and paintings Richard Paul. A unique initiative established by H&M and Ingka Group, Atelier100, a think tank and a store aims to discover and support emerging, London-based creatives. From 3D-printed footwear to futuristic jewellery, Atelier100 will showcase the unique and eclectic pieces from its pop-up store. KindHaus will collaborate with Stokey Popup on a series of child-inclusive experiences. Visitors with children will be invited to participate in family design challenges, fostering collaboration between parents and their children to identify problems and design innovative solutions. Know and Love will champion hyperlocal products from 47 North London artists and makers. The event will feature locally crafted ceramics, skincare and chocolate by small makers and designers with an emphasis on sustainability.
Fred Rigby Studio, Monoware’s ceramic pieces
The district will provide an intimate look at work of the local creative community. Praxis N16 will host open studios inviting visitors to meet and explore the work of the 50 resident artists and creatives based in the Victorian warehouse space. Absorb Arts Studio will open its studios to the public showcasing the work of painters, sculptors, printmakers, graphic designers and more. Tower Theatre’s studio and foyer space will feature custom installations showcasing costumes and set designs from previous productions.
District Late: Saturday 23 September
Fitzrovia Design District
New for 2023, Fitzrovia is famed as a nexus for global leaders in furniture design. The central London enclave also boasts an abundance of creative industries, innovative start-ups, and some of the city’s finest independent restaurants and bars.
Heal’s flagship store on Tottenham Court Road will feature two exhibitions. Ten shortlisted pieces by third-year students form Kingston University’s Furniture & Product Design course will feature alongside iconic seating designs marking major anniversaries, including the 50th anniversary of Togo by Ligne Roset, the 65th anniversary of Egg by Fritz Hansen, and 60th anniversary of Forum by Robin Day for Case. CHARLES BURNAND GALLERY will present ‘Planet Rock’, a futuristic reinterpretation of everyday materials featuring new works by Dawn Bendick, Labaye/Sumi, Den Holm, Matthew Nunn, and Studio Furthermore. PriestmanGoode envisages future mobility through an immersive window exhibition featuring animation and augmented reality to present modes of transport that are better for people and for the planet.
Name console by Den Holm, on show at Charles Burnand Gallery
MOOOI will launch an AI powered custom room fragrance experience inviting visitors to unleash their creativity and curate a room fragrance that embodies their personality and style. Lualdi UK debuts its London flagship showcasing luxury interior doors. Grand Passion Pianos will host an exhibition that merges the realms of design and the grand piano featuring sketches and images of custom-made instruments as well as unveil a one-of-a-kind art-case grand piano alongside a concert combining digital artwork and live performance. Sanderson London will offer a retreat from the bustle of the city into a world of fantasy and well-being. The listed 1950s building has been transformed by Philippe Starck into a surreal Cocteau-like dream world, epitomising luxury that is smart, pared-down and tempered with a healthy dose of wit and irony.
District Late: Wednesday 20 September
Greenwich Peninsula
Fast becoming the capital’s most boldly modern landscape, the riverside Greenwich Peninsula boasts a cutting-edge Design District and The Tide, an elevated, linear walkway and public art trail that celebrates art, design and wellbeing – to say nothing of the 15,000 new homes and 48 acres of public space planned for the coming years.
Greenwich Peninsula will showcase a series of public artworks across the district including a new collaboration with graphic artist Murugiah which takes inspiration from the traditional Rangoli art form and will celebrate Diwali, the festival of light. The Greenwich Peninsula Art Trail will offer visitors an opportunity to view works by some of the world’s most renowned artists including Damien Hirst, Morag Myerscough, Allen Jones, Studio Weave, Alex Chinneck and Conrad Shawcross. The Tide will feature a reimagined entrance stairwell by Turner Prize nominee Ian Davenport, while artist Marwan Kaabour will present ‘The River in Verse’, a lyrical and poetic mirror of the river Thames. NOW Gallery will present The Shape of Things celebrating Simone Brewster’s multidisciplinary approach and feature furniture, painting, jewellery and sculpture in an immersive display that investigates the hidden linguistics behind design that are inherently entwined with societal norms and ideas of race, gender, equality and more.
Installation view, The Shape of Things at NOW Gallery. Image Charles Emerson
Faber Futures and Ginkgo Bioworks will present Normal Phenomena of Life, platforming product made and grown with ground-breaking biotechnologies. The week-long exhibition and brand preview, will take visitors behind the scenes into the making of forthcoming Originals for limited release and showcase emerging biodesign lifestyle brands that will also be available through the platform. Rose Bruford College, a world-leading specialist higher education institution will explore design in performance settings through installations, workshops and talks.
District Late: Wednesday 20 September
Islington Design District
A dynamic mix of local and international talent returns for its third year, now working under the theme of ‘Diversity, Inclusion and Collaboration’ – acknowledging a host of independent design shops, studios and designers from across the creative industries, localised in one of London’s main creative enclaves. twentytwentyone will present Fiskars | Gifu | Hiroshima, exploring the similarities that exist between Finland and Japan. The exhibition will bring together for the first time works by Maruni, Nikari, Ozeki & Co. and Woodnotes and feature pieces by Barber Osgerby, Cecilie Manz, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Jasper Morrison, Joanna Laajisto, John Pawson, Kari Virtanen and Ritva Puotila. Carl Hansen & Søn will present Wonders of Wood inviting visitors to view the latest collection additions and the global launch of the 2023 limited edition CH07 Shell Chair by Hans J. Wegner. Sculptures by Nicholas Shurey will showcase wood’s unique qualities and characteristics, while workshops by Michael Murphy provide participants with an opportunity to connect with and work with the material firsthand. Travel Things Museum which presents collections of everyday objects from around the globe will unveil a series of maps crafted from ordinary objects. Through the transformative process of re-mapping, these objects have been infused with new life, giving rise to visually stunning representations.
Molten 1090 FLECK collection in gold. Image by Barry Makariou
Grestec Tiles will showcase the newly launched Hermatine porcelain tile collection featuring colours, textures, and veining inspired by the warm tones of natural travertine. Handblown glass specialists Molten 1090 share a unique insight into the circular design ethos central to the creation and crafting of their interiors products with a demonstration hosted by creative director Laura in their East London studio.
District Late: Tuesday 19 September
King’s Cross Design District
King’s Cross is home to a wealth of incredible design brands, situated on an estate filled with architectural delights, a renowned arts university, and generous, egalitarian public spaces. The Design District, now in its sixth year, allows resident brands and institutions, including Tom Dixon’s HQ and Central Saint Martins, to come together and open their doors to the public. Tom Dixon will present HYPERMOBILE, focusing on new Portable lights, a series of small, battery-powered lamps. Visitors are invited to explore the brand’s Headquarters in King’s Cross and immerse themselves in the worlds of portability, miniaturisation and rechargeability. Other highlights at the brand’s hub in Coal Drops Yard include: a home-cinema room and broadcasting studio powered by Sony and residencies from Tom Dixon Alumni, Resident and Cozmo and surprise giveaways. Marking the 10th anniversary of Central Saint Martins Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Further and Higher Education, Design Transforms ’23 will be a discursive platform to examine our futures. Design Transforms will celebrate student and staff product, industrial and ceramic design work and the social, cultural and commercial collaborations that give purpose to their ideas.
Studio Snoop presents Tilly2, the world’s first AI designer, representing an unprecedented human-AI collaboration that reimagines our environment. Through collaboration with artisans, the showcase will feature innovative designs and demonstrate AI’s immense potential within craft and design.
Wolf & Badger highlights Californian design brands and interactive workshops. Wolf & Badger will explore the distinctive shapes and colourful characters of pieces designed by Spanish designer and artist Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hansen displayed alongside florals curated by Edie Rose. The brand will also host a variety of events and interactive workshops led by a collective of independent brands. Porro S.p.A will invite visitors into its renovated space to learn about the research on colour, inlay and design behind the new Linea collection by Alessandro Mendini. Textile artist Yu Mei Huang and Bao will present an exhibition of works that merge the realms of visual and tactile art and bring Bao’s evocative illustrations to life. Atlas·t éditions will pay homage to craftsmanship with their debuts pieces crafted from natural materials by Usukiyaki in Japan and Lavagnoli Marmi in Italy alongside an Ikebana-inspired workshop to explore Japanese flower arrangement.
Canal Dream CIC and Slash Arts will present Understanding Canals, a series of multi-disciplinary art and design events that explore waterway innovation. Encompassing art and design exhibitions, talks and panel discussions, live performances, and creative activities, the programme will facilitate the transformation of canals into future creative spaces.
Resident Sacha Chair by Philippe Malouin. Image by TAoki Okano
District Late: Wednesday 20 September
Mayfair Design District
Established in 2017 around the notion of collaborative endeavour, Mayfair Design District celebrates the very best in collectible art, fashion and design the area has to offer – uniting the area’s renowned contemporary galleries, auction houses, cultural institutions and brands, promoting a range of year-wide activities and events, and encouraging community ties. Sadie Coles HQ will examine improvised British design in This Island Sunrise, an exhibition bringing together three thrones of artisanal construction, spanning four centuries. Made by Tom Dixon, Eduardo Paolozzi, and a 17th century woodturner, each speaks to the storied narratives of national identity woven through art and design. New York interdisciplinary design studio APPARATUS will host an Open Gallery event on September 18 at its London space, which opened in May 2023 and houses lighting, furniture and objects melding polished forms with textural materials that strike an equilibrium between the machine-made and the handmade.
Sarah Myerscough Gallery will host talks on craft’s value in contemporary life chaired by critic and curator Corinne Julius, accompanied by Sarah Myerscough, gallery artists and leading experts. Mint will explore the interplay between form and materials in Alchemy of Form, an exhibition of over 50 designers who embrace alchemical concepts like experimentation and natural elements to create unique collectible items. The exhibition will celebrate the transformative power of blending materials and pushing design innovation and display the harmonious fusion of metal and glass to the captivating union of wood and textile.
David Gill Gallery will present new works by Barnaby Barford intertwining technology and nature, transforming images from his walks in Epping Forest into four large-scale moving-image artworks called Living Paintings. sketch will showcase the creative synergy between La Manufacture Cogolin, Lasvit, and Julian Carter Design, delving into hand-crafted forms and fusing artistic expression with visionary design across three distinct exhibition spaces. Holly Hunt launches the new HH40 furniture and lighting collection defined by artful craftsmanship and introduces The Romantics, its first textiles and wall coverings collection, while ASSEMBLAGE demonstrates bespoke wallpaper craftsmanship live in the showroom. SoShiro Collections will showcase crafted homewares and fashion drawing on the cultural narratives and artisanal craftsmanship of Cuba, Japan and Kenya. Ralph Pucci will present Beans, a new collection of lighting & furniture by influential Parisian designer Elizabeth Garouste.
Porcelanosa’s Sense Lab will create an immersive sensory experience focused on architecture and design and feature an Aromatherapy workshop, ASMR and virtual reality tour. Vitsœ will host The Modernist Book Fair featuring talks and independent publishers of modernist and brutalist architecture, curated by The Modernist magazine.
APPARATUS, Matthew Placek
APPARATUS, Matthew Placek
District Late: Monday 18 September
Park Royal Design District
Now in its third year, this West London hub is one of the Mayor’s of London newest Creative Enterprise Zones. An incubator for fresh talent, the district will offer an programme of exhibitions, open studios, demonstrations, workshops and launches across a range of disciplines – from leathercraft and millinery, to furniture and glasswork.
Bill Amberg Studio will open the doors of their London workshop to unveil a new collection of sustainably sourced wood and leather furniture. Visitors will also be able to enjoy an interactive insight into contemporary leather craftsmanship alongside tours of the workshop and witness leather workers demonstrating their craftsmanship.
Bill Amberg Studio Open Studio Event. Image credit David Cleveland
A number of Park Royal’s studios will open their doors, inviting the public to discover the work of the innovative artists, designers and makers working in the area. 42 Gorst Studios, home to a multidisciplinary community of creatives will host open studios and curate an interactive exhibition showcasing art, fashion, film and ceramics. Queensrollahouse will host open studios showcasing the work of resident artist and makers alongside workshops and invite guests to enjoy the rooftop restaurant and bar. POW Workshops will host open studios and provide visitors with an opportunity to participate in workshops including wood working and digital fabrication. West London Art Factory will open its 24 studio spaces showcasing the creative talents of their community of fine artists, music producers, makers and creators. Excelsior Studios will host open studios in fashion, fine art, sculpture and design as well as OPEN04, a group exhibition showcasing multidisciplinary work alongside live printing sessions. Park Royal Works will host open studios alongside a mural created in collaboration with local artist David Samuels. Imperial College London’s Dyson School of Engineering will collaborate with creatives from across Park Royal Design District to solve real -world problems. Creatives will be tasked with connecting Park Royal and North Acton through improved pedestrian and cycle routes to make the area easier to navigate and more accessible.
Re-Made in Park Royal will showcase the work of local artists and makers that have transformed salvaged materials including wood pallets, film sets, shop interiors and raw clay from the nearby HS2 construction site demonstrating the potential for a circular economy.
District Late: Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September
Shoreditch Design Triangle
Returning for its fifteenth consecutive year, Hackney’s finest offers a spirited programme of happenings, representative of the vibrant creative scene that continues to flourish in the area. Expect both radical and formal ideas in the guise of product launches, exhibitions, installations, workshops, talks, tours and some convivial after-hours delights alongside the anticipated return of London Design Fair at the Truman Brewery.
The LEGO® Piece Garden from The LEGO® Group and It’s Nice That will invite Londoners to unearth their creativity in an immersive event. Visitors will have the opportunity to build their own LEGO® Botanicals and LEGO® Art pieces in a relaxed and creative environment resembling a blossoming community garden.
Vitra will present Hackability of the Stool featuring ideas for altering the iconic Stool 60, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933. This furniture piece has remained in production since its creation, and celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2023. SCP will present Soft Power, a show of sustainable design and enduring ideas as well as launching the SCP 2023 Collection of Upholstery and an SCP Edition by Sarah Kay alongside other works by a range of acclaimed designers. Jasper Morrison Shop will present Bamboo, an exhibition illuminating the qualities of bamboo as a material for the modern world. A selection of hand-crafted objects from Japan will show bamboo’s use in the household and industry, its strength and versatility. Ruup & Form will present ‘Fierce Energy’, an exhibition featuring wood and textile works by artists Naomi Mcintosh and Rachna Garodia culminating from an exploration of seeds, germination, growth, and birth. Kvadrat will showcase new launches by Doshi Levien, Studio Truly Truly and Inge Sempre. To mark the launch of a new rug by Bauhaus Master Gunta Stölzl, Christopher Farr will collaborate with Turkish weaving workshop Kirkit on a creative weaving project, celebrating freedom of expression. Turquoise Mountain will present a special display of heritage inspired fabrics, handcrafted by some of Myanmar’s most talented female artisans. Donna Wilson 20 Years – Unravelling Two Decades of Design will combine classic designs with unseen works alongside the launch of a new addition to the ‘Abstract Assembly’ collection in collaboration with Mike Whittall and a limited-run capsule collection.
Lee Broom will present new editions of acclaimed lighting pieces including the Altar Wall Light and Chant Surface Light in the brand’s reimagined Shoreditch showroom. Tala will open its first permanent showroom in Shoreditch, the space will mark Tala’s evolution from a specialist LED bulb manufacturer to a holistic lighting brand. Established & Sons will unveil a playful lighting installation at the Betts Project Gallery showcasing colourful new lighting products including The Mark Light by Martino Gamper and the whimsical T6 addition to the Filigrana Light Series by Sebastian Wrong. The lights&lamps pop-up will house the brand’s latest designs for the autumn/winter season, including its exclusive collection with ELLE Decoration and a collaboration with influencer Reena Simon of Hygge for Home.
Circo floor lamp, lights&lamps
Renwick pendant light, lights& lamps
Hart Shoreditch will collaborate with East London illustrator and artist James Daw together with 4D animator Lisa Sheehan and photographer Anna Rotar on Fundamentals of Caring, a multi-sensory installation featuring visuals, sound, smell, texture and more. One Hundred Shoreditch will host a panel discussion featuring Jacu Strauss, Lucy Ward, Jan Hendzel, and Philippe Malouin, moderated by Davey Hunter Jones exploring timeless design, blending old and new elements, and practical commercial design tips. Montcalm East will host a panel discussion exploring how the introduction of Artificial Intelligence has impacted art and photography.
Six Dots Design will present The Localist Café brings together over a dozen local creatives, makers, and manufacturers to create a functional cafe featuring objects made by Common Design, Matan Fadida, and Kaymet. Ceramics in the City will return to Museum of the Home with a showcases of more than 45 leading ceramic artists from across the UK, alongside some of today’s rising talents. Osmose Studio launches its first London pop-up shop featuring its first mycelium furniture range alongside workshops, talks and activities. Select-Works will exhibit ceramic sculptures, lighting installations and furniture design by artist and scientist Abid Javed. The House by M.A.H will present The Bedroom & Study, a transformation of their East London showroom showcasing experimental luxury art & design, alongside vintage collectibles. London-based creators and studio Art Practice, behind the recently launched ‘Channel 4 idents’, will curate a group exhibition presenting the alternative, non-screen-based output produced by the group around the theme of play. From chairs and vases to social and critical design, All on Show will feature diverse projects from the Kingston School of Art’s Product and Furniture Design program.
District Late: Tuesday 19 September
Southwark Design District
Camberwell College of Arts will introduce Microclimates, a global exhibition and festival of events showcasing forms of design that drive social change. Stéphane Barbier Bouvet opens his studio to showcase recent collaborations with Maniera Gallery in Brussels alongside upcoming projects. Peckham Festival will host a free weekend-long arts festival for all ages celebrating the creative and cultural diversity of Peckham. The programme will include art, music, performances, workshops and food.
Bizzie Bodies will host Evolving Docks, an event bringing together local change-makers to host interactive workshops promoting digital inclusion for all ages and skill levels in the community.
London College of Communication in partnership with Elephant Park, aims to make design and creativity available to all through a programme of talks and workshops at The Tree House, and installations in the surrounding area, to connect community, culture and education.
Peckham Festival, Exhibition at Copeland Gallery
District Late: Thursday 21 September
DESIGN FAIRS
London Design Fair
The UK’s largest and most influential design fair will make its much-anticipated return on 21 – 24 September 2023. London Design Fair (formerly Tent London) is recognised as the UK’s leading showcase of cutting-edge design, brands, makers, pavilions, and galleries, returning the creative heart of London at the iconic Truman Brewery within Shoreditch Design Triangle this September. London Design Fair will once again bring its unique mix of worldwide designers and brands to Shoreditch. Visitors will also enjoy world class talks and interactive workshops, discover exciting new designs and emerging trends, and experience impressive installations. International pavilions from countries including Sweden, South Korea and Ukraine showcase design talent from around the world. Among many, features include ‘The Power of Colour’, an immersive entrance designed by 2LG Studio in partnership with Lick, and ‘Homes with a Heart’, curated by stylist, writer, and consultant Roddy Clarke in collaboration with the UK’s leading sustainable business community Blue Patch, putting sustainability front and centre. A comprehensive speaker programme features Interior Design Masters Finalist Frank Newbold’s interactive session ‘Design Dilemmas’, whilst Architonic’s theatre takeover will be hosting sessions with the likes of Pearson Lloyd, Universal Design Studio and Form Us With Love. All and more at the largest commercial exhibition during London Design Festival.
Kiln Green Denby Blue Patch
Kiln Green Denby Blue Patch
Material Matters
After a successful debut last year, Material Matters returns to Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf from 20 – 23 September 2023. The fair will feature world-class brands, manufacturers, designers and makers, a talks programme and installations focussed on celebrating the importance of materials in design and architecture. The event, which is headline sponsored by British lighting company, Bert Frank, will contain an array of ideas, innovative products, features and installation. Pearson Lloyd, founded by Luke Pearson and Tom Lloyd, is 2023’s designer of the year and will have a room dedicated to its work. Elsewhere, in the entrance hall Danish textile designer Tanja Kirst will create an installation that asks the simple question: can oranges, seaweed and hemp be transformed into textiles without compromising aesthetics?
On the second floor, Material Matters will join forces with Insight Publishing, one of the world’s leading brands for workplace news, commentary and features. It will create The Works Place, a space that showcases the latest thinking on sustainable office design, circularity and innovation. On the floor above, Isola, the Milan-based design platform, will host a new exhibition, Nothing Happens if Nothing Happens, which will feature emerging designers using regenerative resources and repurposing waste materials.
Solidwool, Hydro, Planq, Mixed Metals, Goldfinger, Bert Frank and SCP. Material Matters
A selection of designers working with nature, including renowned leather designer, Bill Amberg, bioMATTERS, Silklab and Material Magic will be featured. While Gareth Neal will shows his new, boundary-pushing, work in 3D printed, three times recycled polymer, and Hydro will extol the virtues of recycled aluminium. The top floor will feature a roster of designers, makers and smaller manufacturers working in various materials including HagenHinderdael, Mixed Metals, BC Joshua, and Solidwool. They sit alongside new exhibitors, such as Novavita Design, Ana Bridgewater also known as Abalon, The Wicker Story, Goldfinger, Planq, Regular Concrete, and Yair Neuman. A carefully crafted talks programme will include the likes of internationally renowned designer, Michael Young alongside the return of Negroni Talks. In addition, the Wood Awards will unveil its 2023 shortlist at gallery@oxo, adjacent to Bargehouse.
Yair Neuman and Planq. Material Matters 2023
PARTNER EVENTS
Carpenters Workshop Gallery will present Niko Koronis, Metamorph, featuring new work by Niko Koronis focused on Belgian Black marble’s captivating qualities and exploring the interplay of positive and negative space. Stanley Picker Gallery will present A World of Islands, an exhibition that considers the movement of indigenous knowledge, practices, materials and people. The exhibition brings together artistic perspectives and research on the Philippine archipelago alongside a residency by Carol Anne McChrystal exploring casting volcanic ash from the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatumbo. Shanghai Design Week will present Design to Wonderland, a series of product launches showcasing new designs from Chinese consumer brands alongside a series of forums on industrial ecology, digital design, design trends and cross-disciplinary discussions.
Through the lens of award-winning photographer Richard Bryant and the newly commissioned short documentary ‘Building in Colour’, Sto celebrates the legacy of Stirling Prize winner Michael Wilford CBE (1938 – 2023) and examines the future possibilities of materials and colour in architecture. Vitra in collaboration with 2LG Studio will present a boundary-pushing installation inspired by sci-fi, which will see their showroom transformed into a captivating Playscape. The installation will combine the organic shapes of Vitra’s Istanbul collection with a selection of Vitra tiles in an eye-catching monochromatic structure.
Fritz Hansen will exhibit new designs for the first time in London, including pieces made in collaboration with contemporary Danish designers Mette Schelde and Cecilie Manz alongside work of iconic designers Paul Kjaerholm and PK15. HAY will unveil its latest accessories, furniture and lighting collections by Stefan Diez, Muller Van Severen, Jasper Morrison and John Tree. &Tradition will launch new pieces created by the Danish architecture and design studio Space Copenhagen. The new designs, along with the refined objects and furniture from the duo’s existing collection, come together to form an intimate private dining space, designed by Space Copenhagen in &Tradition’s London showroom.Aram will introduce three new rug designs inspired by Eileen Gray’s gouaches as new additions to the existing rug designs available.
FLOOR_STORY will reveal new rug collections in collaboration with Ameche Mandi and Hill Thorpe including a partnership with female weavers from Afghanistan at their Old Street showroom in an exhibition curated by interior designers Trifle. Poliform UK will open its renovated London showroom and showcase Paolo Rovers lightboxes. Award-winning British sculptural lighting studio Cameron Design House will unveil Kupoli, their debut collection of furniture featuring a range of tables with a futuristic edge.
PRESENT & CORRECT in collaboration with Architecture for London will present cabinets imagined as a series of ‘wunderkammer’ that exhibit stationery as objects of desire. ARE YOU MAD will showcase objects and furniture made from waste generated from Soho. The exhibition will feature a range of creatives and platform solutions to the waste issues faced on the high street and within restaurants, salons, stores and cinemas. Curator and educational consultant Amanda Johnston and The Sustainable Angle Team will host an interactive presentation providing insights into exciting new sustainable materials from the 2023 Future Fabrics Expo. The National Archives will present Spirit of Invention, an exhibition celebrating innovation past and present, showcasing cutting-edge contemporary technology alongside inventions from the Victorian era. Highlights include a state-of-the-art necklace that changes colour to signal poor air quality, a portable washing machine that uses recycled shower water and a type of fabric engineered to expand as children grow.exhibit inventions shaping past and present.
Makerversity will host workshops at Somerset House inviting visitors into virtual world-building, glassmaking, model making, data visualisation, denim kimono making, bio-staining and biomaterial wonders.
Mud Australia will preview a new porcelain lamp collection designed collaboratively by Zachary Hanna and Mud Australia’s founder and creative director, Shelley Simpson.
Chance Projects teaches hands-on porcelain cup making techniques and will invite visitors to explore the history of Kitran in Moroccan culture.
Camden Town Unlimited & Euston Town BIDs explore public space design and will present an exhibition at Camden Collective which explores the Camden Highline alongside an opportunity for visitors to submit their own ideas and get involved in making activities focussed on street furniture, public art and sustainability.
ABOUT LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL
Established in 2003 by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE, London Design Festival celebrates and promotes London as the design capital of the world. London Design Festival has since earned the reputation as a key calendar moment of London’s autumn creative season, alongside London Fashion Week, Frieze Art Fair and the London Film Festival, attracting the greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to the capital, in a citywide celebration.
Photo credit: London Design Festival
Representative image: Roca Gallery, De-Dimension foldable furniture by Jongha Choi, Seoul. Image by Clare Farrow Studio
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