Interiors: New lighting by Sowden to be presented at Top Drawer

Sowden, the homeware and lighting brand created by British Milan-based designer George Sowden, will showcase their full Shades Collection of lights at the design-led trade fair Top Drawer 2024, from 14 - 16 January at Olympia London, announced SCP the UK distributor of Sowden.

Sowden Ceiling Lamps.
Photo by Alice Fiorilli from SCP website.

SCP is also presenting Sowden's new product launches being shown for the first time at the Top Drawer trade fair. 

The Shades Collection is composed of suspension, table and floor lamps, alongside a family of battery-powered designs suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The idea for the Shade Collection took shape in 2020, when George Sowden, while working on another project, discovered the extraordinary potential and ability to diffuse light through soft silicone; a non-toxic material that is easy to clean, stands up to impact and conserves its aesthetic qualities without ever showing signs of ageing.

The use of silicone for this purpose, lends the Shades collection its distinctive allure.

The interplay of shapes and colours, assembled in diverse configurations, brings versatility and life to these remarkable lamps, according to SCP,  manufacturer and dealer of high-quality contemporary furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories, established in London in 1985 by Sheridan Coakley.

Headquartered in Milan, the Sowden brand has emerged as an epitome of design innovation. Created by George Sowden, a British designer originally from Leeds, who established himself in the Milanese design firmament, after moving to the city in the early 1970s. Sowden’s legacy includes co-founding the influential Memphis Group in 1981, alongside Ettore Sottsass and Nathalie Du Pasquier.

With a prolific portfolio spanning decades, Sowden has contributed iconic designs to leading brands such as Alessi, Bodum, Swatch, Steelcase, Tefal, and Pyrex.

Transitioning into the 2000s, Sowden's studio focused on self-branded products like the Sowden Softbrew coffee system, while also collaborating with renowned Danish brand HAY. The Shades Collection represents his latest success, introducing a bespoke lighting brand with a unique approach to designing and developing products.

Cultural events and Interior designs: Shoreditch Design Triangle 2023 plays host to both progressive and formal creative designs during London Design Festival

Shoreditch just north of the financial district of London - the City - has long established itself as an inspirational district for post-industrial spaces and new developments led by architects and the creative industries, joined by professionals in the arts, retailers, as well as cutting-edge restaurants of international culinary cuisines.  Its design scene continues to evolve and inspire, making it a dynamic and influential part of London's cultural fabric.

As part of the London Design Festival, the Shoreditch Design Triangle 2023 returns for the 15th consecutive year with a comprehensive programme of events and a host of product launches, exhibitions, installations, workshops, open studios and much more to showcase the area's distinctive creative scene.

SCP

SCP, a producer of high quality contemporary furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories established in London in 1985 by Sheridan Coakley,  presents Soft Power, an exhibition of sustainable design and enduring ideas at the SCP Showroom during the London Design Festival. 

SCP

Soft Power features four different shows under one roof.  Among the main exhibits on the Ground Floor of their Curtain Road Showroom is a new collection by British architect and designer John Pawson for Wonderglass, an Italian family owned company founded in 2013 by father and son Maurizio and Christian Mussati  who promote and preserve the skills and techniques of the Venetian master glassmakers.  The show also features Berg, a coffee table, alongside three different lighting designs; Sleeve, Horizon and Pendant Tube.

Berg at SCP.

Also shown is Sons of Beasley by Carl Clerkin and Alex Hellum, following the success of The Beasley Brothers Repair shop by Carl Clerkin (and friends) at the Eternally Yours exhibition at Somerset House last year. Carl went onto present Sons of Beasley at the Material Matters exhibition at the OXO Bargehouse during LDF.  This time, SCP invited Carl and Alex back to continue the Sons of Beasley experiment, this time, focusing on making chairs and stools, items that are notoriously difficult to make at a price that anyone can afford.  Visitors are able to enjoy a fully equipped live workshop on the ground floor of SCP, staffed by Carl, Alex and friends, all of whom will be making things by-hand, from offcuts, components and materials donated by various furniture manufacturers. 

On the 1st floor of the SCP showroom is the new SCP 2023 Collection is by Matthew Hilton, Philippe Malouin, Donna Wilson, Wilkinson & Rivera and Terence Woodgate. This collection is exclusively of sustainable upholstery designs; sofas and armchairs, all made by-hand at SCP’s specialist upholstery factory in Norfolk, England.  This year, for the first time ever, all of the SCP designs on show are foam free. Foam, being petrochemical based, is the key unsustainable material in modern upholstery, and SCP believe it has to be removed from products to ensure they are truly sustainable.  The 2023 Collection features four new sofas and three new armchairs, "blending together the ornate with the restrained, the extravagant with the classical, in a collection that explores soft power."

Over at the newly expanded showroom/retail shop of Lee Broom, one of the UK’s leading product designers and a premium global design brand, are new editions of the designer's highly acclaimed lighting pieces to complement his brand of luxury furniture. 

Lee Broom

The new editions include the Altar Wall Light and Chant Surface Light, as well as best sellers such as Vesper, Orion, Aurora Ring, and others.

Lee Broom

Showing in the Vitra and Artek showroom, in the basement, is the Hackability of the Stool, developed by Tokyo-based architect Daisuke Motogi of DDAA Lab.  Motogi has had fun creating 100 ideas altering the classic Stool 60 designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933.  This fundamental of furniture items has been in continuous production since its inception and 2023 marks its 90th anniversary.

As explained, Motogi and his creative lab DDAA initiated the project Hackability of the Stool back in 2019, when commissioned to create a space for a community for collective impact initiatives. When asked to provide 150 stools for visitors attending a large-scale event, Motogi and DDAA Lab decided to invite members of the community to discuss what a stool actually is, identifying which functions it should have. 

During a workshop, the participants brought up numerous suggestions, which were consolidated into the idea of a multifunctional stool. Instead of designing a new product, DDAA Lab opted for adding the requested functions to an already existing stool: Artek’s Stool 60, defined as "a masterpiece of modernist design, for the fact that it is made of wood, thus easy to modify, and stackable, thus easy to store."  Hackability of the Stool is on until 6th October.

Tala

In the heart of the thriving Shoreditch triangle is the new permanent showroom of light-bulb specialist Tala.  The space, designed by local architect Thomas Longley, space was formerly a men's fashion boutique.  The showroom features recycled and low-impact materials throughout, and caters for both end consumers and trade professionals. 

Tala

Shoreditch's transformation from historically a working-class and industrial area to a hub of creativity, culture and innovation, can be traced back to the 1990s when artists, musicians, and creative entrepreneurs began to move into the area, attracted by its affordable rents and industrial spaces. This influx of creative individuals laid the groundwork for the neighborhood's transition into a creative and design-focused community.

As Shoreditch gained popularity among creative professionals and entrepreneurs, it started to undergo a process of gentrification. Abandoned warehouses, factories, and Victorian buildings were repurposed into art galleries, studios, co-working spaces, and fashionable boutiques. This regeneration brought about a mix of new businesses, residents, and visitors, reshaping the neighborhood's identity.

The large central bar of the recently opened Shoreditch branch of the
"Sticks 'N' Sushi" restaurant known for its  
unique fusion of authentic Japanese flavours and sleek Scandinavian design.

As a result of the influx of creative minds, the neighborhood became known for its avant-garde art galleries, cutting-edge fashion boutiques, and innovative architectural projects. The diverse range of design disciplines found in Shoreditch includes graphic design, industrial design, fashion design, digital media, and more.

The neighborhood's fusion of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship has influenced other parts of London and even other global cities seeking to cultivate similar creative hubs.

All photos by Lucia Carpio.

Designer Yinka Ilori's new homeware collection brings bright and cheerful colours to modern living

Yinka Ilori and his new homeware collection.

From designing a shop window for Selfridges to a basketball court in Canary Wharf and the British Red Cross’ latest campaign, among other notable projects, London-based Yinka Ilori’s bright and cheerful signature work are firm fixtures in London’s design scene.  Once seen, his designs leave a deep impression.

Yinka Ilori and two chairs from his Types of Happiness chair collection 2019.

As a multi-disciplinary artist of a British-Nigerian heritage, the award-winning Ilori specialises in storytelling by fusing his British and Nigerian heritage to tell new stories in contemporary design, and the results are humorous, provocative and fun; every project that he creates tells a story. 

Bringing Nigerian verbal traditional into playful conversation with contemporary design, Yinka Ilori’s work touches on various global themes that resonate with different audiences all over the world.

The first homeware collection is a continuation of design work inspired by his own British Nigerian heritage. 

Expect vibrant, colourful pieces including tableware and linens, cushions and trays, as well as tea towels and socks, all influenced by traditional Nigerian dress and parables told to the designer as a child by his parents.

It’s a colourful celebration of two cultures expressed through abstract, technicolour pattern and contemporary craft. Unexpected, functional household items - that evoke  memories from his own upbringing - have been reworked as colourful artworks. 

Yinka Ilori's Ere cushion in woven cotton jacquard captures his vibrant spirit, which led to him securing the London Design Festival’s prestigious Emerging Design prize. The graphic geometric pattern reminiscent of The Colour Palace, the designer's 2019 Dulwich Pavilion. 

Each has their own narrative and back-story, meant to instill a sense of optimism and joy, to act in their own small way as a distraction to the dark times that we’re facing this year.

Yinka Ilori's set of two tea towels.

Yinka Ilori’s latest homeware collection is launching at SCP.co.uk

All images from SCP.

SCP announces London Design Festival in September

In this extraordinary year, many in the design and craft industry have been busy turning out amazing new ideas and products echoing the message that creativity does not stop during a year of unprecedented change.

Guided by the idea that good design can improve the world around us, the London-based design retailer SCP, a producer of high quality contemporary furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories, which was established in London in 1985 by Sheridan Coakley, has announced their London Design Festival exhibition, “One Room Living”, at their Shoreditch showroom on Curtain Road in a trendy hot spot in East London.

“One Room Living” features designers Matthew Hilton, Sarah Kay, Phillipe Malouin, Donna Wilson, Faudet-Harrison and Reiko Kaneko; with a debut SCP product from Daniel Schofield and a exclusive collection by Floris Wubben.
The London Design Festival also marks the start of a new series of Monthly Window Exhibitions at SCP Curtain Road. Beginning with ceramic constructions from Floris Wubben in September, sculptural glass pieces by Jochen Holz in October and wonderful wooden assemblages by Alex Hellum in November.

East Londoner Jochen Holz (pictured above) transforms prefabricated glass tubes into one-off glassware pieces using the lampworking technique. Glass is melted over a torch and gently blown, then shaped and fused together, creating a beautiful body of work that is both spontaneous and precise.  Photo courtesy SCP.

The new SCP collection includes a tubular steel easy chair, wooden side table and sofa from Matthew Hilton. An armchair and stool from Philippe Malouin, wooden side table from Sarah Kay and a snug tub armchair from Faudet-Harrison. Daniel Schofield has created an adaptable sofa, Donna Wilson textiles and Reiko Kaneko a much anticipated ceramic set.

Dahlia bowl by Reiko Kaneko. The Dahlia series are black bone china plates and bowls cast in Reiko Kaneko’s garden workshop. Decorated by Kaneko with brushed white slip and glazed. This decoration technique was Kaneko’s solution for painting white flowers from the garden, which isn’t possible on white bone china.  SC

Exclusive Editions for SCP by Floris Wubben (pictured right) feature new side tables.  Each piece is extruded from one shape which Wubben then cuts away several parts, giving the table an entirely new form. The collection also includes new vases that use the same technique and feature additional structural elements. The unique products have a raw, architectural aesthetic, available in the Wubben’s signature palette of glaze colours.
Founded in Amsterdam in 2009, Studio Floris Wubben is a design studio that produces experimental ceramics and objects that seek to push the boundaries of function and sculpture.  All of the designs that they produce are made at their own workshop, where in recent years, a great focus has been put on the development of processes and the design of machines for production. Nature and the use of natural materials are a key theme in the work of the studio, which alongside ceramic pieces, also produces lighting and furniture designs.

“At SCP, our ethos is simple: good design can improve the world around us.”

As for details of the London Design Festival, the dates are 12 - 20 September 2020 (subject to change or extension); daily Opening Hours are to be confirmed.
SCP says:
“At this early stage in proceedings, in both the planning of the London Design Festival, and in the planning of our event, we are remaining open and flexible as to how visitors can enjoy “One Room Living”. Our physical exhibition at SCP Shoreditch will be staged in accordance to whatever the guidelines are in place at the time, and we will make every effort to ensure visitors are safe and secure, but can also have a good time. We hope our 6000 sq ft showroom will help to facilitate that.
“We are also going to remain flexible on the opening dates and times for the show, as we will potentially extend hours and dates, so that as many people as possible get to enjoy the show. We are also going to be providing SCP’s audience with a range of digital experiences to enjoy; ensuring those that may not be able to visit in person (will not) miss out.”

SCP prides itself as a pioneer in the modern British design scene, known for taking traditional typologies and reinventing them for the modern era. SCP’s designs are made to exceptional standards from natural materials, using both traditional methods and advanced manufacturing techniques. Their specialist factory in Norfolk is where all the upholstery is made, it is there that a small dedicated team of woodworkers, pattern cutters, upholsterers and product developers create the designs, which are sustainably made.