Returning for its fourth year, Clerkenwell Design Week, which takes place around the London district between 21st-23rd May, is set to surpass the success of 2012 with an enhanced format including increased exhibition spaces, a new focus on interior decoration and an array of curated projects across the festival’s historical venues.
The Clerkenwell neighbourhood will house a growing list of top UK and international designers who see the festival as the key event in the international design calendar. The iconic Farmiloe building will become a hub for key UK and international brands.
Returning brands SCP, Muuto, Jennifer Newman, Pinch, Mark, Deadgood, Swedese, and Zanotta will display their products alongside newcomers including Ton, Chorus, Mass Production, &Then Design, Emu, and Spanish design studios Viccarbe and La Palma. In addition, there will be a dedicated space for lighting brands on the third floor of the former Victorian glass factory, with Luminosity and Vitamin Living in residence alongside Holloways of Ludlow, which will present an iconic 1950s collection of Jielde lights.
Visitors to the Priory of the Order of St John will be able to admire a lighting installation in the loggia designed by internationally-acclaimed sculptural lighting specialist Sharon Marston. The 12th century church will house 2013’s latest interior decoration trends, featuring names such as Ochre, Sé London, and a young vibrant furniture brand from Portugal, Ginger & Jagger.
Former subterranean prison, The House of Detention, will provide the backdrop for up-and-coming design talent. The strong international flavour also permeates this venue, with Italian-based duo Fred and Juul presenting their apiculture-inspired pieces, Latvian studio Sampling’s hemp seating, and UK spatial design company Foreign Bear.
One of Clerkenwell Design Week’s best-loved features is its series of cultural projects curated by the festival, bringing the streets and converted spaces of Clerkenwell to life. The first innovative project unveiled for this edition is Design Exquis, an installation based on the Cadavre Exquis technique developed by the Surrealists in the 1920s.
Clerkenwell Design Week continues its strong relationships with the area’s showrooms, with many planning talks, events and product launches. Nine new showrooms opened in the area during 2012 – a testament to Clerkenwell’s vibrant scene. Among them, concept showroom/bar/members’ club .IT.
All About Design will present a collection of Italian furniture with brands including Edra and FIAM, whilst fabric innovator Camira has partnered with Danish carpet manufacturer Ege Carpets, in a unique collaboration for the showroom at Britton Street. Arper joins the festival this year, adding a further splash of colour to the office furniture offering.
