BUY LESS WITH MORE CONSIDERATION

TEL: +44 (0)167 482 0746

#54
8 British-based Designers to see at
8 British-based Designers to see at

September is one of the busiest months in any interior designer’s calendar, especially in London. September is the month where London proves why it is one of the top design capitals in the world. All the trade shows from 100% Design (which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year) to London Design Fair are on in the same week, 14th-22nd September. The V&A Museum gets involved by hosting events and exhibitions whilst installations pop up all over London in different design districts from Shoreditch to West Kensington.

Decorex is usually a staple during this week but this year it has changed venue and date opting for Olympia London 6th-9th October. AUTHOR will be displaying a few interior pieces at Decorex this year at British wallpaper and fabric designers Blackpop’s Stand (Stand G100). In the meantime we have been perusing the London Design Festival website, picking out our favourite events featuring fine British and luxury craftsmanship that can’t be missed. Here are our top 8 picks.

1. Please Be Seated by Paul Cocksedge

 flex-align-center
Image from London Design Festival.

‘Please Be Seated’ is a large-scale installation that features curves for people to sit on and walk under, commissioned by British Land and located in the heart of Broadgate. Known for his work in upcycling and reusing old materials, British designer Cocksedge has collaborated with Essex-based high-end interiors company White & White to re-use old scaffolding planks to create this installation. “The curves raise up to create backrests and places to sit, as well as space for people to walk under, or pause and find some shade. It walks the line between a craft object and a design solution. It occupies the square without blocking it,” says Cocksedge.

Where to see it: Finsbury Avenue Square, BroadgateLondonEC2M 2PP

2. Sea Things by Sam Jacob

 flex-align-center
Image from London Design Festival.

This installation piece focuses on the single-use plastic crisis that is plaguing our oceans. It takes the form of a large scale two way mirrored cube suspended above visitors’ heads at the V&A Museum. Inside the cube is an animated motion graphic, created in collaboration with motion designer and digital artist Rory Cahill. The installation aims to evoke feelings of empowerment so visitors come away with a better understanding of their role, as well as the roles of technology and design, to make the world a better and more sustainable place. The project is supported by SAP, the software giant who is using technology to help combat the plastic crisis.

The V&A will also be hosting an exhibition of water vessels made by Sam Jacobs from recycled materials and experimental post plastic materials alongside the installation, to emphasise the value of water vessel design as well as the value of plastic itself, demonstrating the potentials and opportunities for the future.

Where to see it: The Grand Entrance, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, SW7 2RL

3. Another Country

 flex-align-center
Fram Shelving designed by Mathias Hahn. Image from Another Country.

Founded in 2010, Another Country is a company that designs and makes contemporary wood furniture and home accessories with a focus on beautiful craftsmanship. AUTHOR features pieces from Another Country in our collections of unique, British-made furniture and interior accessories. During the festival the company is launching new pieces at both their Marylebone Showroom and at 100% Design. The brand’s first shelving system, the Fram Shelving designed by Mathias Hahn, will be unveiled at 100% design as well as a new lounge chair and a pair of dining chairs designed by Alain Gilles. We are looking forward to seeing the new Hardy Dining Table designed by David Irwin and made in Another Country’s British workshop which will be on display in their showroom.

Where to see them: 100% Design, Stand D4, 18th-21st September, Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UX

Another Country Showroom, 18 Crawford Street, Marylebone, London, W1H 1BT – Saturday 14th – 21st September (Closed Sunday)

4. Art Futuro

Art Futuro is a design studio based in Stirling, Scotland. Created by Swiss couple Franziska and Phil, Art Futuro creates amazing lighting and accessories with the use of stunning slate veneer. The natural beauty and variation in slate means that each piece produced in one of a kind and unique. AUTHOR features the brand’s Slate Cube Lamps in our collections. We hope to see some new pieces from the fabulous Art Futuro team.

Where to see them: 100% Design, Stand E6A, 18th-21st September, Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UX

5. Dovedale Design Studio

Dovedale Design Studio is a partnership between Oliver Tebbutt and Charl Heynike, two friends who met during their sculpture and design years at Central St Martins. Oliver is a cabinet maker and sculptor, and Charl a luxury product designer and sculptor. Both are dedicated to fine craftsmanship and design, collaborating with British craftsman and using the finest of local materials such as thousand-year-old Bog Oak to create contemporary products that meet the expectation of the most discerning collector. AUTHOR features their Six and Ten Watch Boxes along with their Fifty Cigar Humidor, all handcrafted to the highest quality. Dovedale Design Studio will be exhibiting at London Design Fair this year in the International Craft Pavilion, the go-to exhibition for high-end craft during LDF.

Where to see them: London Design Fair, 19th-22nd September, Stand 5.18, Hall ICP 5, Old Truman Brewery, Shoreditch, London, E1 6QR

6. Fritz Fryer Lighting

 flex-align-center

Based in Ross on Whye, Herefordshire, Fritz Fryer Lighting are a close knit team of lighting specialists that design and make their designs in Britain as well as up-cycle antique and vintage lighting. We feature a range of their beautiful wall, table and pendant lights on our website and can’t wait to see their display at London Design Fair in the [d]arc room which will have its own hall this year to offer inspiration and solutions for anyone involved in lighting.

Where to see them: London Design Fair, 19th-22nd September, Stand 47, Hall 13, Old Truman Brewery, Shoreditch, London, E1 6QR

7. Cole & Son

 flex-align-center
Image from Focus/19 website.

Cole & Son, the renowned wallpaper house will be launching its new Pearwood Collection at Focus/19 this year at Chelsea Harbour. One of the Cole & Son designers, Kathleen Hockey, will be giving an exclusive presentation of the new collection, from the inspiration to creating the beautifully hand-painted elements that perfectly hand finish the designs. The reveal will be 2pm-3pm on Monday 16th September on the Ground Floor of the Centre Dome at the Design Centre.

Where to see it: Focus/19, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, Lots Road, London, SW10 0XE

8. Amy Somerville pop-up

 flex-align-center
Bartleby Credenza. Image from Amy Somerville.

Amy Somerville creates exquisite furniture, made-to-order upholstery and cabinetry all handcrafted in Britain. At Focus/19 this year at the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour, the brand will be showcasing the new Bartleby Credenza, Rita Chair and Oxalis Bench in a range of natural and opulent finishes. We absolutely adore the work of the Amy Somerville team for their high quality craftsmanship and beautiful use of texture, material and colour. We’re looking forward to seeing their new designs in the flesh.

Where to see it: Focus/19, Ground Floor, Design Avenue, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, Lots Road, London, SW10 0XE

Are you going to be at London Design Festival this year? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. If there is anything in particular you think we need to see then let us know or get in touch if you’d like us to advise you on what to see.

Share this article:

About the Author

jane

Written by Jane Adams, founder of Author Interiors. LinkedIn:

Read more about her here.

Featured In

INTERIOR CLASSICS - DESIGNED AND MADE IN BRITAIN

Join AUTHOR Society, our ‘inner sanctum’ for
appreciators of exquisite furniture and home accessories.

‘Society’ members receive exclusive offers,
gifts, previews of new AUTHOR products and interiors advice.

Membership is FREE and you’ll get a £20 voucher to spend.

JOIN NOW