Overwhelmed by the array of events on offer at this year? Let us simplify matters for you with our handy design trail of personal highlights /
This five and a half mile journey from Burlington Gardens to Vyner St encompasses some of the best London Design Festival has to offer. The walk itself takes around two and a half hours, leaving plenty of time for you to absorb new products, listen to talks and we've even included some of our favourite eateries and bars handily dotted along the way to fuel up en route.
1. 'Ascent' : Barber Osgerby at Haunch of Venison, W1 /
Barber Osgerby are presenting eight new limited edition objects in association with Haunch of Venision. Inspiration for the series originates in childhood memories; "Osgerby grew up close to a Royal Airforce base in Oxfordshire and spent many hours watching the airplanes flying there. Barber developed a fascination with boat design while sailing as a child". The objects have been developed with notions of 'hidden design' and 'engineered craft' in mind.
For more details visit the Haunch of Venison website.
2. Designjunction, WC1 /
Designjunction have a great mix of exhibitors lined up. Ranging from Italian superbrands such as Cassina and Cappellini to an array of British companies including Another Country, Innermost and Benchmark. And last but certainly not least we are there too, showcasing products from e15, Bensen, Maruni and Montis. Modus are presenting one of their Pecha Kucha nights on the Friday which should be fantastic. Another highlight will be the Crafts Council and Textile Artist Lucy Orta's installation. Orta's past work includes Refuge Wear and Body Architecture. The installation at Designjunction 'Block Party' will "poetically reveal the tradition, history, and skills of the tailor, in various contemporary media" it features work by her and fourteen other artists/craftspeople.
3. 'Stolen from De Stijl' at Darkroom, WC1 /
What do eclectic design boutique Darkroom have to do with the Rietweld's sketch above I hear you ask? Well, they are launching their A/W 11 range of objects during LDF11, 'unashamedly stealing from the palettes and proportions of the De Stijl movement, and re-working them to create pieces with new direction'. Looking forward to seeing the results, hoping the collection captures the playfulness of Rietweld's Schröder House with it's folding corners and sliding walls.
4. Galleria Illy at the Moroso & Flos Showroom, EC1 /
Illy are taking over the Flos/Moroso showroom until mid October. The installation is designed by Michelangelo Pistoletto and will set the scene for some very high profile talks from cultural luminaries such as photographer Martin Parr, designer Patricia Urquiola, Architect David Adjaye and curator and critic Hans-Ulrich Obrist.
To book your tickets for the talks visit the illy galleria website.
5. Show Three at Viaduct, EC1 /
Yes, it is a bit of shameless self plugging, but we are very proud of our new show!
Upstairs is devoted to Ilse Crawford's new lights for Swedish design company Wästberg. Meanwhile downstairs is an exploration of experimental projects, advances in LED technology and the very latest lighting products. Imagine lighting designs from manufacturers as diverse as Molo, Örsjö and Celine Wright sitting next to &Tradition, Moooi and Foscarini.
Young talent will be present in the shape of Alvaro Catalan de Ocon and Tomas Alonso from Spain.
For more details see our dedicated blog post.
6. Designersblock at the Farmiloe Building, EC1 /
Designersblock have a reputation for uncovering innovative designers and placing their work in beautiful, often disused buildings. Part of the ethos behind the project is to draw attention not just to the exhibitors but also to the space itself. Situated in the Farmiloe Building, this year's design crop includes John Galvin (pictured above), REALISE, and POS textiles. There is also an 'Auction Room' curated by Mariana Pestana where ten designers will auction specially designed items, the catch? All the goods must be exchanged and bartered for, no money will change hands - see the trailer here.
7. 'My London' curated by Nendo at Established & Sons, N1 /
This is the first installment in Established & Son's 'My London' initiative. A selection of London-based talents and international names from the worlds of design, art and architecture have been invited to work on collaborations, installations and objects that define their idea of the city.
Excitingly, Nendo has been asked to display his interpretation of 'creative London'. Nendo is universally adored by us here at Viaduct, his considered design and lightness of touch always lead to fascinating results, so this is a definite go-to location this year.
8. Tramshed, EC2 /
Building on the success of last year, Tramshed has an impressive array of exhibitors including Matthew Hilton, Studioisle, Bocci and Örsjö. They will also have a series of seminars debating the design issues of the day. Click the link below for more info.
9. Tent, E1 /
Following on from it's expansion last year Tent is now even bigger, encompassing a new Superbrands area where Moroso will be exhibiting and also incorporating the Origin Craft Fair over at Spitalfields Market. Tent is always a great place to uncover some young design creativity - last year's collaboration with Kingston University was a great example of this. This year lets hope for more of the same. Highlights for us so far are Roussel Creative's Louis light (pictured above) and A + Z Design.
10. Bar Alto by Design Marketo at Neu Gallery, E2 /
Design Marketo always make us smile and their event this year is no exception. Those of you who have visted Milan during the Salone del Mobile will no doubt be familar with Bar Basso, the legendary drinking den where the great and good of the design world sit and quaff cocktails till the wee small hours. Design Marketo are bringing this concept to London with Bar Alto, a pop up bar on Redchurch St. Featuring new works from Harry Thaler, Ally Capellino and Michael Marriott and rumour has it Bar Basso's owner Maurizio Stocchetto will also be there making their infamous Negroni Sbagliato cocktails behind the bar.
11. Revolt/Reform/Result at Rocket Gallery, E1/
Here at Viaduct we are big fans of Rocket Gallery, their reissued Jens Risom furniture and their great mid century furniture sales have brought them close to our hearts. Revolt/Reform/Result features furniture, books, objects and graphics from the Netherlands dating back to the 50's, 60's and 70's. One of the featured designers is Cees Braakman, who was Head of Design at Pastoe from 1945 to 1978.
For more details visit rocketgallery.com
image via skinnybib.com
12. Rochelle Canteen
You'll have to time this one carefully as Rochelle Canteen is only open weekdays between 11am and 3pm. Hidden behind a security door and in the bike shed of a converted Victorian school, Rochelle Canteen is run by Margot Henderson and Melanie Arnold, who subscribe to the Nose to Tail eating philosophy of St. John. This comes as no surpise as Margot is in fact married to St. John's founder Fergus Henderson. The menu changes daily and is well priced and delicious, we heartily recommend it.
For the address and today's menu visit Rochelle Canteen website.
13. The Living Room at Luna and Curious E2/
The Living Room will showcase a selection of products, furniture and printed works that have been designed and made in Britain. Bringing together established designers and emerging talent, the exhibition aims to promote British design to a wide audience in a quirky and idiosyncratic setting. Curated by two thoroughly nice chaps, Jonathan Krawczuk and Alyn Griffiths and featuring our very own Chimney Light by Benjamin Hubert. This is a must see if you are a lover of British design.
14. Ombra Selects, E2 /
Ombra recently opened it's doors on an inauspicious corner of Vyner St and has quickly become a local favourite. Specialising in good value authentic Venetian food and drink, and filled with the bright and beautiful furniture of artist Russell Bamber, whats not to like about this place? For LDF Ombra will be hosting an exhibition curated by Bamber of stripped back works by Jim Buddulph, Giles Miller and Viaduct favourite Gitta Gschwendtner. It's the last stop on our trail so grab a seat, order an Aperol Spritzer and congratulate yourself on a job well done.
Post by Claire Gittins.