In the heart of bustling London, Clerkenwell stands as a tranquil hub in the east, boasting a vibrant community of creative enterprises and architects. Renowned as a global design epicenter, this enclave, identified by its EC1 postcode, holds profound significance for the creative industries. With its abundance of design showrooms, studios, and galleries, Clerkenwell is poised to host its Design Week from May 21 to 23, 2024.
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| Duffy London at the historic St John's Gate of the Order of St John with their latest installation for Clerkenwell Design Week 2024, building on their recent collaboration with Berlin-based designer Orsi Orban. Gatekeepers is inspired by organic forms found in nature. Photo by Lucia Carpio |
Spread across the district's exhibition venues, the event curates a global array of furniture, lighting, textiles, surfaces, accessories, and product design, solidifying its status as the UK's premier design festival.
Clerkenwell's allure lies in its fusion of historical heritage and contemporary flair. Characterized by cobblestone streets, repurposed warehouses, and industrial edifices transformed into modern workspaces and galleries, the district exudes an inspiring ambiance. Exploiting this charm, the festival utilises diverse venues, from the subterranean House of Detention showcasing lighting brands to the lively Clerkenwell Green hosting contract furniture displays. St. John's Square becomes home to Elements, spotlighting architectural hardware, while St. James's Church and the Order of St. John exhibit British and international luxury collections, respectively. Introducing the Goldsmiths' Centre this year, the festival expands its focus to commercial and workplace interiors. There will also be special dedicated spaces for displaying collections by Danish, German and Italian designers and brands.
From innovative farming by-product designs and the renaissance of natural stone and wood to AI-crafted cocktails and industry discussions on neurodiversity, this year's event sees the most extensive programme to date, according to organisers. As in previous events, organisers will provide a design trail map for visitors to follow at the Farringdon train station.
Among the new collection launching at CDW is Fritz Hansen at its Cowcross Street showroom in a special feature titled 'Inviting Workspaces’ displaying furniture and accessories from designers including Jaime Hayon and Jørn Utzon.
At its Great Sutton Street showroom, Domus will present a colourful exhibit of tile designs created by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby to celebrate their 10-year collaboration with its brand partner Mutina.
In the British Collection (St James’s Church), SCP will launch a new Peonia armchair by Wilkinson and Rivera, a low-lying sculptural armchair made at a specialist factory in Norfolk, using 100% natural and sustainable materials. Meanwhile, Another Country will showcase its new ‘Series Five’ furniture inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement.
At Detail at the Order of St John, Omexco will unveil three new ranges, including the Archipelago design crafted from Capiz shells and shimmering mica minerals. While Arte presents its new Lani collection, featuring hand-crafted designs inlaid or embroidered with rattan and raffia, Kasthall will return with its new Vichy collection, a modern interpretation of the classic gingham pattern.
Wallpaper design studio Erica Wakerly has teamed up with Sixteen3 to debut a new fabric collection, which will be shown at the latter’s Bastwick Street showroom as part of a pop-up that examines the evolving nature of workspaces.
Joining CDW and the neighbourhood for the first time is British lighting manufacturer J. Adams & Co, launching its new St John Street showroom just in time for the festival. Collaborating with tile expert Solus, the in-house team has repurposed materials from the site and factory offcuts to create stunning terrazzo tiles and worktops. Also new to the festival is Pooky Lighting, showcasing its new collection of rechargeable lights at Light at House of Detention.
CDW continues its tradition of championing emerging talent, spotlighting a diverse range of newcomers this year. Showing at Platform (70 Cowcross Street), Selfish Customs collaborates with local makers in East Anglia, repurposing farming by-products such as raw fleece, reed and barley straw to create unique homeware. Visitors can explore the studio’s creations alongside Colombian art historian-turned-designer Manuela Cabrales, who is launching shawls, trousers and handcrafted lamps using materials like lotus fibre and orange peels. Also featured is Barcelona-based Isabel Francoy's La Sobremesa collection, which blends wicker weaving and glassblowing with modern design.
Historically an industrial hub renowned for craftsmanship, Clerkenwell has metamorphosed into a thriving creative nexus, drawing architects, designers, and artisans. Its strategic proximity to other creative hubs like Shoreditch and the West End, coupled with excellent transport links, enhances its appeal to professionals in design and fashion. Furthermore, the district's vibrant culinary scene, replete with trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants, fosters a dynamic social milieu, enriching the creative community's experiences and inspirations.
All photos by Lucia Carpio
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