Clerkenwell Design Week
One of the world's most vibrant design hubs, Clerkenwell is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else on the planet and from the 19th - 21st May Clerkenwell Design Week kicks off, celebrating its sixth year. Crammed into three jam-packed days in a variety of venues over Clerkenwell, studios open their doors, debates commence and pop up workshops deliver classes in anything from tile painting to origami.
If you feel overwhelmed by where to start, join a Walking Design Tour around Clerkenwell which will explore five installations that bring to life some of the area’s hidden gems. Tours leave at 11am, 1pm or 3pm every day and begin at the Designworks Tiles showroom at 91 St John Street.
Even if you don't fancy yourself as a design enthusiast, the unusual venues alone are worth a visit. Make sure you don't miss the Farmiloe Building, a Victorian warehouse which will host the Design Factory - four floors of furniture, product and lighting design from the best contemporary makers from around the world. Additionally, stop by the magnificent Church, Crypt and Cloister Garden at the buildings of The Order of St John for Detail, a showcase for the most reputable luxury interior brands including Mulberry Home and A Rum Fellow.
[caption id="attachment_11847" align="alignright" width="970"]
Eleanor Pritchard[/caption]
If you have time book yourself into one of the many talks and discussions that are ongoing over the three days by experts in the design-field including Elle Decoration's Editor-in-Chief Michelle Ogundehin and Pip Prinsloo, Design Director of John Lewis. The highly anticipated 'Brutalism: Save or Scrap it?' debate led by Sunday Times critic Hugh Pearman should also be top of your list.
And if all of this is just a bit too much for you, head to the ‘Domus Woodland Escape’ opposite the Domus showroom on Great Sutton Street where you can enjoy freshly roasted coffee and craft beers in an outside oasis featuring a mix of living trees and recycled art installations - 'a relaxing retreat from the bustling crowds of the busy design festival'.
Clerkenwell Design Week, 19th - 21st May. For more information visit www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com
If you feel overwhelmed by where to start, join a Walking Design Tour around Clerkenwell which will explore five installations that bring to life some of the area’s hidden gems. Tours leave at 11am, 1pm or 3pm every day and begin at the Designworks Tiles showroom at 91 St John Street.
Even if you don't fancy yourself as a design enthusiast, the unusual venues alone are worth a visit. Make sure you don't miss the Farmiloe Building, a Victorian warehouse which will host the Design Factory - four floors of furniture, product and lighting design from the best contemporary makers from around the world. Additionally, stop by the magnificent Church, Crypt and Cloister Garden at the buildings of The Order of St John for Detail, a showcase for the most reputable luxury interior brands including Mulberry Home and A Rum Fellow.
[caption id="attachment_11847" align="alignright" width="970"] Eleanor Pritchard[/caption]
If you have time book yourself into one of the many talks and discussions that are ongoing over the three days by experts in the design-field including Elle Decoration's Editor-in-Chief Michelle Ogundehin and Pip Prinsloo, Design Director of John Lewis. The highly anticipated 'Brutalism: Save or Scrap it?' debate led by Sunday Times critic Hugh Pearman should also be top of your list.
And if all of this is just a bit too much for you, head to the ‘Domus Woodland Escape’ opposite the Domus showroom on Great Sutton Street where you can enjoy freshly roasted coffee and craft beers in an outside oasis featuring a mix of living trees and recycled art installations - 'a relaxing retreat from the bustling crowds of the busy design festival'.
Clerkenwell Design Week, 19th - 21st May. For more information visit www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com