Clerkenwell Design Week 2012

Walking to Clerkenwell Design week in the 24 degree heat, there’s a great vibe, people milling around and chatting in groups outside.

I head straight for the Familoe Building, and the entrance archway is work of art in itself, covered in 20,000 wooden hexagons by London Designer Giles Miller.

The dramatic building dates from 1868 and was home to George Farmiloe & Sons, a sheet lead and glass manufacturer for over a century.  It’s the perfect venue for this exhibition of high-end contemporary design.

Artemide lighting display against the dramatic backdrop of the warehouse

Jaguar are the official sponsor of the show this year, and I was fascinated watching the modeller at work on a full size clay model of the Jaguar C-X16.  A great way to get an insight into the creative process behind car design.

full size clay model of the Jaguar C-X16

The Beau McClellan display showcases a variety of innovative lighting products including the ‘Eclipse’, a dramatic six meter long, colour changing chandelier displayed in the atrium over the Jaguar model.   It’s a clever modular lighting system, allowing chandeliers to be designed to fit any space.  Each pendant is made up of an LED light diffused by a delicate mirror-coated glass shade.

the Beau McClellan ‘Eclipse’, with its delicate mirror coated shades, I bet it looks just as beautiful when off

The simplicity of this grey marble ‘Carve’ table at G&T really appeals to me.  The design is a contemporary take on a traditional table found throughout Wales, as a solution to uneven slate floors.

simple but gorgeous Carve table by Bethan Gray, I also love their branding :)

The Tekio modular lighting system, inspired by traditional Japanese ‘Chochin’ paper lanterns, sparks my imagination.  The paper shades diffuse the light for a warm glow.

curvy 'Tekio' by Anthony Dickens creates a soft ambient light

Upstairs in one of the ‘shop’ areas, Esty have an exhibition of Illustrations. The main illustrator showcased is James Ward or ‘JIMBOBART’, he describes himself as a ‘Drawer of things on things’, that alone makes me smile.

James has drawn his trademark ‘Cake Defender’ bear in a bath, it has so much personality, I love the bears red undies and the little Racoon waiting to scrub his back!  Take a look at the fun hand drawn ceramics in his Esty shop.

Esty Bear in Bath

Dare studio show off their Katakana Writing Desk and Jackson Coat & Hat Stand, looking fabulous under the industrial Cage lights.

furniture by Dare Studio and some fabulous geometric wall hangings by Lerival

The combination of the filament bulbs and the polished copper on this light at the Matilda stand is divine.

Sold individually, they have been clustered together for impact but would look equally lovely in a row over a dining table or breakfast bar.

C2 Flat by LifeSpaceJouney clustered together to form a chandelier on the Matilda stand

There is so much to see and do, and I’ve only covered a small part of it here.  Next year I’ll take the whole day off and attend some events.

What’s your favourite?

Tagged as: Anthony Dickens, Beau McClennan, Clerkenwell Design Week, Dare Studio, Eclipse Chandelier, Esty, Familoe Building, Giles Miller, Grey & Turner, Jimbobart, Matilda, Teiko Lighting