London Design Fair 2023

London Design Fair returns, bringing together makers from across the world into one concentrated, bustling Brick Lane space. But walking around, the atmosphere is far removed from a typical trade show. Upon entering the Truman Brewery one is greeted by a flood of soft coral colour. A brief body of text on the wall explains that to paint the brick walls in this fashion is, in fact, a decision influenced by colour theory; the warm,  calm qualities of the hue are intended to encourage conversation. Whether entranced psychologically or because of what one finds upstairs on the exhibition floor, the experience of attending this four-day event is joyous and inspiring. 

The designer’s work, typifying a common theme which runs throughout this exhibition, honours a whole history of playful product design

The fair is part of the wider London Design Festival, which celebrates and promotes the city as the design capital of the world and going from aisle to aisle, booth to booth one certainly feels a sense of rousing innovation. Several pieces stand out, including Sofia Matheou’s Inflate series, found at Stand DA16. Sculptural in their look, almost akin to the YBA Sarah Lucas’ work in which stuffed tights were used as a highly visceral material, Matheou’s seats challenge our preconception of inflatable furniture by combining repurposed inner tubes with leather and bold-coloured, metal armatures.

What's noticeable as one peruses the Fair is the attention to detail that exhibitors have shown, in order to best represent their work. In Matheou’s case it’s the inclusion of a foot pump, coated in the same mechanical red as the stool legs it sits alongside. The designer’s work, typifying a common theme which runs throughout this exhibition, honours a whole history of playful product design and is a reminder that, particularly with furniture, unique pieces are at their best when characterful. 

Amongst many other disciplines, lighting design at this year’s Fair really shines through. It is worth mentioning the work of Hannah Simpson Studio represented by Love, August at Stand 1A40. Simpson has several works being shown and of these it is the poetically named ‘Follow Lamp’ that particularly draws attention. The piece is cute; its size and character ask for it to be cradled and adopted. It features an alpaca silk lampshade and a ceramic base pair of legs, but it is the interplay of these two component parts that gives it such expression.

Siobhan’s work is bold and beautiful and has an ethos of ‘more is more décor’.

I also have to mention the bedazzling textiles of Interior Curve by Siobhan Murphy on stand 1C18, undoubtably the most colourful, vibrant and expressive Stand I saw. Siobhan’s work is bold and beautiful and has an ethos of ‘more is more décor’. She has just launched her brand new collection of fabric wallpapers. Known as an interior design dynamo, Siobhan is taking the wallpaper world by storm with this inaugural collection. It’s a must-see.

In light of the government’s decision to U-turn on net zero policies this week, one cannot help but leave with a startling and shameful idea in mind: that product design has, for years now, been heavily invested in creating novel materials and designing with sustainability. The London Design Festival champions UK-based design and manufacturing. The demonstrable innovation in this industry shows it’s really ready for broader horizons; all it requires is recognition and some funding.

The show is running until the 24th September and I recommend spending a full day as there is lots to see.