London Design Festival 2017: The Best Things Zetteler Don't Represent

– By Anya

Every London Design Festival I go into a mild panic. I can deal with the million and one things to organise and the bombardment of emails that comes with it, but the cold sweats are all to do with a chronic fear of missing out (FOMO for those inclined). There’s SO much to see.

To make it that little easier, and to save me from becoming a nervous wreck, the Zetteler team have sorted through all things LDF with a fine-tooth comb and put it in a handy list for your reading pleasure. We like to refer to it by its technical term: LDF Cool Shit.

Ready Made Go
16 – 24 September

The third iteration of Ready Made Go showcases a series of new products created especially for Ace Hotel by a roster of London-based European designers. All of the products have been made and installed for permanent use in the positions for which they were intended throughout Ace Hotel London. Highlights include High Stools by Michael Marriott, Ceramic table-top objects by Ian McIntyre and Hoi Polloi salt and pepper grinders by Oscar Diaz. Ready Made Go is conceived, commissioned and curated by Modern Design Review.

Ace Hotel London
100 Shoreditch High Street
E1 6JQ

The Trade Show
16 – 24 September

The Trade Show draws on the centuries-old tradition of artists supporting each other through mutually beneficial barter. Designer Faye Toogood presented 50 of “the country’s leading creatives", drawn from a wide range of disciplines (although we know they include photographers, artists and furniture designers, we don’t yet know the names of the participants), with a limited edition sandcast-aluminium version of her Spade chair. In return, each creative has donated a representative piece of their own work.

The Garage
1 North Terrace
SW3 2BA

ONEROOM x Bethan Laura Wood
16 – 24 September

Situated in a Victorian warehouse in Shoreditch and split over four floors, ONEROOM presents an exhibition of works by London-based multidisciplinary designer Bethan Laura Wood.

9 French Place
Old Street
E1 6JB

Space 10

For London Design Festival, IKEA’s research laboratory will take over Shoreditch’s Protein Studios with a week-long series of events exploring the theme Exploring Spaces of Tomorrow. Standout events include:

18 September: FranklinTill

“Within decades the number of people living in cities will leap from four billion to almost seven billion. But what are the consequences of this migration in terms of our urban spaces? And how will urbanisation on this scale affect the way we live, work, play and produce?” A talk by futures research studio FranklinTill seeks to explore these questions. Speakers include Rachel Wingfield, a designer, researcher, educator and founder of Loop.pH; Thomas Ermacora, a regeneration architect and founder of Machines Room; and Caroline Till, co-founder of FranklinTill.

23 September: Ma-tt-er

London-based design studio Ma-tt-er will present an exhibition exploring materials and textures in relation to space, looking at how materials will evolve by 2030. As part of the exhibition, the studio will host a natural dyeing workshop to show how red cabbage can be used to measure pollution levels. In the evening, Ma-tt-er will present a series of talks that will ask pressing questions about the future of materials. 

Protein Studios
31 New Inn Yard
EC2A 3EY

Making a Living by Max Frommeld
18 September - 28 October

Making a Living is a solo show by designer Max Frommeld. The exhibition presents a collection of new products for an experimental living space that responds to a series of domestic activities: playing, resting, dressing and hosting. Max created the new body of work in two locations: his studio in east London and his family’s workshop in Inverness, California. In London, the designer refined his additive design process and assembled a series of products that employ new construction techniques and materials. In California, he challenged himself to make an object a day for one month. Making a Living brings together both sets of work, including over 20 handmade objects ranging from designs for production to one-offs.

Aram Gallery
110 Drury Lane
WC2B 5SG

Models for Social Design - Community Economics
21 September 14:30 – 15:45

Community Economics brings together social entrepreneurs from Newfoundland, Bosnia and the Netherlands to share their experiences in using the design process to bring about economic and social change. The talk is chaired by Daniel Charny and features panelists Zita Cobb, founder of Shorefast Foundation and CEO Fogo Island Inn Orhan Niksic, CEO and co-founder of Bosnian furniture manufacturer Zanat; and Petra Janssen, a designer, a tutor at Design Academy Eindhoven and the co-founder of Social Label, an initiative that creates socio-economic opportunities for disadvantaged people in the working world. | Tickets are free on a first come first serve basis.

The Hour Glass
305 Brompton Road
SW3 2DY

Design in Southern Sweden
22 September 15:00 - 16:00

Whilst Sweden’s design reflects its position as an outward looking, cosmopolitan and international country, within the Swedish design community, there is a much stronger connection and current movement back towards its heritage and craft skills than many people realise. Small-scale design with a unique identity is enjoying a renaissance in Sweden, telling stories and producing products locally and sustainably. A talk chaired by Malmo-based designer Terese Alstin, and a panel made up of Swedish designers, explores this shift.

London Design Fair
Old Truman Brewery
E1 6QR

Ineke Hans: The Last London Salon
16 – 24 September

Dutch designer Ineke Hans presents The Last London Salon, an exhibition that concludes her two-year long Salon Projects which investigated new perspectives for design through events and discussions. The Last London Salon: Furniture & Future a round-up of the series presented through objects, projects and strategies. The exhibition will offer insights, conclusions, recommendations and alternative perspectives on design.

4 Cromwell Place
SW7 2JN

People of the Sun: Storage & Stools
16 – 24 September

Malawi-based People of the Sun will launch a collection of baskets, stools and trays designed by Dutch designer Ineke Hans. The collection uses local materials and techniques, telling a story about design, making, tradition and modern living. Through this collaboration, design is no longer simply a vehicle for functionality but becomes a tool that empowers local artisans in Malawi and keeps indigenous skills alive. Design is not meant as an aid, but as a component for setting up sustainable cooperative businesses.

4 Cromwell Place
SW7 2JN

Punctuating Space
14 – 23 September
Mon – Fri 9:30 - 18:00 Sat 10:30 - 16:00

Punctuating Space explores how “individual design elements can convey concepts and evoke feelings through tactility, colour, light and form.” The exhibition sees the UK launch of new products from Muller Van Severen, e15, Giopato & Coombes and other emerging designers.

Viaduct Showroom
1-10 Summers Street
EC1R 5BD

Darkroom
16th September - 1st October

Shoreditch-based shop and design brand Darkroom is staging two workshops during London Design Festival. Under the watchful eye of jewellery designer Eleanor Bolton, and with a glass or two of wine to get creative juices flowing, the workshops’ participants will learn how to make a rope and terracotta plant hanger. You can also catch the brand at its pop-up inside Old Shoreditch Station. Green House cafe will comprise a graphic installation of foliage and provides the perfect spot to have a coffee and take a breather from LDF exhibition hopping.

Darkroom at OSS
1 Kingsland Road
E2 8AA

Design Frontiers
18 – 24 September

Somerset House has really been ramping up its LDF activity since it shimmied on to the scene in 2015 with show 10 Designers in the West Wing. As 2017 is an off year for the newly launched London Design Biennale, the Neoclassical behemoth will be hosting new show Design Frontiers, featuring 30 of the most respected designers in the business – from Kvadrat and Tord Boontje to Sebastian Cox. Those involved have really rolled out the big guns in terms of launches. Be sure to check out Benjamin Hubert’s new venture nolii (his range of products designed to solve everyday tech gripes), Jasper Morrison and Jaime Hayon’s new clothing line Jijibaba, Sebastian Cox’s mycelium-laced furniture range, and Kvadrat’s showcase of up-and-coming talents My Canvas. While you are there say hello to the Zetteler films team who will be filming the Prototypa exhibition by Form Us With Love.

Terrace Rooms & West Wing Galleries
Somerset House
WC2R 1LA

Finnish Form at the London Design Fair
21 – 24 September

As anyone who’s spent time in Zetteler’s Marimekko-filled HQ will have twigged, our venerable leader Sabine is a proud Finn. So we were excited to hear a whole host of Finnish brands and designers will be exhibiting at London Design Fair as part of Finnish Form, which showcases the unique style and creativity of this rebellious Nordic nation. Timed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Finnish independence, the show has been curated by style and culture magazine Alvar and spatial goodness will be provided by one-to-watch Helsinki architects JKMM.

London Design Fair
Old Truman Brewery
E1 6QR

Envisions and Finsa
21 – 24 September

The experiments, concepts and scribbles that make up a substantial part of a project before it gets to the end user are kind of magic, presenting limitless possibilities and worth of a spotlight in their own right. But sometimes when working on commercial briefs, designers are not given the space to truly play, and if they are, we never see the results. For this exciting collaboration Spanish wood manufacturer Finsa swung open its doors to Dutch collective Envisions giving all twelve members the opportunity to unleash their creativity on Finsa’s production process, materials and tools. We loved, loved, loved this exhibition in Milan and can’t wait to see it again on our home turf – at London Design Fair. 

London Design Fair
Old Truman Brewery
E1 6QR

British Craft Pavilion
21 – 24 September

Back once again for its second edition, the British Craft Pavilion has doubled in size to accommodate a whopping 40 makers this year. Curated by craft bible Hole & Corner, this space hosts and celebrates a myriad of British craftspeople, from ceramicists, leatherworkers, furniture makers, ironmongers and glasses-makers. We’re looking forward to snooping on the latest from wood-whittling and quilt-sewing duo Forest + Found. 

London Design Fair
Old Truman Brewery
E1 6QR

Silent Arch by Bharat and Jean
16 – 24 September

It’s also the second year for South London’s Brixton Design Trail, and this regeneration-themed installation by local design studio Bharat&Jean looks to be one of the excellent programme’s brightest gems. The studio, which specialises in creating interiors and exhibitions for the likes of Bloomberg to local boxing clubs, will install an arch made from lightweight, acoustic panels and situated on Atlantic Road. The site and poignant building material were chosen as a comment on the large number of evictions that have occurred on Atlantic Road in recent months, due to the controversial redevelopment of Brixton’s vibrant railway arches.

25 Atlantic Road
SW9 8HX

Bold – Graphic Design from India
16 – 24 September 

Bringing you the freshest takes on India’s energetic graphic design scene, India Design Platform presents typography, posters, films and digital media, as well as passion projects, from some of the country’s leading lights. Located at much-loved institution Rich Mix and part of Shoreditch Design Triangle, expect to have your preconceived notions of what Indian graphic design looks like well and truly challenged.

Rich Mix
35-47 Bethnal Green Road
E1 6LA

On Repeat: Universal Design Studio X The Office Group
16 – 24 September

Fun fact: the pictogram for the Chinese word narau (to learn) contains within it a representation of a bird repeatedly flapping its wings. The idea is that to get anywhere you’ve got to do something again and again, perfecting your flying technique before you can make a break for it. The power of Repetition too is the theme for Universal Design Studio and The Office Group’s collaborative pavilion in Shoreditch, manifested through its architecture and a very fun programme of workshops. As well as crafting paper modules for an ongoing ceiling installation, visitors can print with Zetteler fave Alex Booker, meditate with Patternity as well making pom poms, experimenting with letterpress and drawing – all repetitive activities to inspire learning and greater chill.

74 Rivington Street
EC2A 3AY

Ceramics in the City
21 – 24 September

If you’ve never been to Shoreditch’s Geffrye’s Museum, you’re in for a treat. The former alms house is an ever-so-cute journey through domestic interiors from 1600 to the present day (shout out to the 90s room) and as an LDF bonus will host Ceramics in the City, a collection of 50 ceramic artists from around the UK. You can have a chat with the makers as well as purchasing work – from practical tableware to ornamental one-offs – direct from the hand that made it.

Geffrye Museum
136 Kingsland Road
E2 8EA

Manufactory
21 – 23 September

Trust the students come up with some ideas to well and truly blow our pre-LDF minds. During the festival, designers from Kingston School of Art will take over Old Spitalfields Market, transforming the market stalls into maker spaces to create new types of East End produce. They’ll be knitting with yarn extruded from waste, translating footfall data into 3D-printed sculptures and souvenirs, and transforming the metal market stalls into giant Meccano sets. Cor blimey guv’nor!

Old Spitalfields Market
16 Horner Square
E1 6EW

Pop-up Werkwarenhuis by Social Label
16 – 24 September

For all of us in team Zetteler, the belief that creativity has the ability to change the world for the better is why we do what we do. So we're super-curious to find out more about Dutch studio Social Label, which will be exhibiting some of its products in Brompton during LDF. The whole premise of the studio is that it’s a vehicle for investigating what design can do for society in terms of social inclusion. With its products – featuring designs by Piet Hein Eek and Roderick Vos – Social Label attempts to make changes in the Dutch system of labour, participation and social return.

4 Cromwell Place
SW7 2JN