May Design Series, together with Out of the Dark, a charitable enterprise that trains young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the art of furniture manufacturing and upcycling, welcomed eight of the UK’s best-known interiors bloggers and journalists to take part in a one-off training session – the May Design Series Silent Auction.
Press and friends of the show were asked to draw on their creative energies to help design a bespoke re-upholstered chair to assist in raising funds for these young people. Each chair will be put up for a silent auction at the entrance to the May Design Series show, which takes place from 18-20th May at London's ExCeL.
The maximum bid for each chair will go to Street Dreams, Out of the Dark’s registered charity, with event organiser UBM to match fund all winning bids.
"Each chair is a one-off piece designed by a prominent industry figure, and we’re confident that there will be heavy competition in the bidding!"
Participants at the workshop and designers of the eight unique chairs were: Arianna Trapani, co-editor of Heart Home and blogger at Arianna’s Daily; Carole King, co-editor of Heart Home and blogger at Dear Designer’s; Yasmin Chopin, interior designer and blogger at YasminChopin.com; Kate Watson-Smyth, freelance interiors writer and blogger at Mad About the House; Tina Bernstein, freelance interiors writer and blogger at Colour Living; Laura Almond, web editor at Achica Living; Kate Burnett, editor at The Schemer; and Denise Mahmud, Trendease.
Out of the Dark was founded by Jade and Jay Blades, who hosted the workshop. Speaking of the charity’s long-standing relationship with UBM, Jade comments: “We are truly grateful to UBM for the support that they have given us over the years – we wouldn’t be where we are now without it. We’re looking forward to being a part of May Design Series this year, and we can’t wait to see how much we raise from the Silent Auction – we urge visitors to bid generously!”
Andy Vaughan, brand director for May Design Series, adds: “Working with Out of the Dark is always a pleasure, so we’re thrilled to have been able to take it one step further this year. In addition to their three stands throughout the show, the Silent Auction will take place at the entrance to the South Hall, where we hope that we can attract lots of generous bidders. Each chair is a one-off piece designed by a prominent industry figure, and we’re confident that there will be heavy competition in the bidding!"
