Clerkenwell Design Week returns to London from 21 to 23 May 2024. This year's edition has an extensive programme, featuring a greater number of exhibition venues, brands, showrooms, and installations than ever before.
This expansion firmly establishes the festival as the go-to destination for specification within the architecture and design community. Amidst a rich tapestry of new launches, presentations and events, here's a round-up of some of the top things to see and do at the May event; from innovative farming by-product designs and the renaissance of natural stone and wood to AI-crafted cocktails and industry discussions on neurodiversity.
New collections
Fritz Hansen will reveal its new collection at its Cowcross Street showroom in a special feature titled 'Inviting Workspaces'. Curated to explore both commercial and residential working environments, the exhibit will display furniture and accessories from designers including Jaime Hayon and Jørn Utzon. At its Great Sutton Street showroom, Domus will present a colorful exhibit of tiled 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 Wilkison 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. Detailing at the Order of St John, Omexco will unveil three new ranges, including the Archipelago design crafted from Capiz shells and shimmering micaminerals. Arte presents its new Lani collection, featuring handcrafted designs inlaid or embroidered with rattan and raffia, while 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.
New creatives
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 Franco's La Sobremesa collection, which blends wicker weaving and glass blowing with modern design.
Exploring trends
Current trends, including the current 'Stone Age' and 'for the love of wood', will feature among display items. Stone is currently experiencing a renaissance, emerging as a highly sought-after material in the realms of architecture and design. Wood remains a prominent material for many brands at CDW this year, particularly in the British Collection.
International focus
This year, CDW has introduced three international pavilions to the festival. The Italian Collection will feature 31 brands on the first floor of Design Fields, showcasing furniture, lighting, and textiles. Catapult will host the German Collection, presenting its country's acclaimed brands and furniture, while the Danish Collection will take over the Paxton Locher House.
More information:
Clerkenwell Design Week
www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com