Clerkenwell Design Week Preview

COVER gives the lowdown on the highlights of Clerkenwell Design Week, taking place from 23–25 May

From 23–25 May, Clerkenwell Design Week will return to the EC1 postal area of London. Advertised as ‘the UK’S leading design festival’, it offers a range of products from over 200 exhibitors, alongside ten design destinations, an exciting new feature of the 2023 edition. In and amongst the host of exhibitors, events, workshops and installations are highlights that will undoubtedly catch the eye of anyone with an interest in rugs and textiles. Here we outline what brands you should visit if you happen to be in East London next week!

When it comes to rugs, there is no shortage of offerings during Clerkenwell Design Week. Sustainability appears to be a recurring theme for exhibitors during the festival, with Ege inviting visitors to ‘experience sustainable design at your feet’ in its newly refreshed showroom. Recork also offers what the brand describes as ‘the natural flooring choice’, and will be located in the ‘Project’ venue (Garden of St James, St James Walk, EC1R 0EA) at stand PB13A. Another participant offering sustainable solutions for luxury interiors is Swedish brand Bolon, which has transformed itself from a traditional weaving mill into an international design brand, supplying the likes of Armani, Chanel and Missoni home. The brand’s showroom is in EC1 and will be open to visitors during the week.

Jacaranda, which can be found in the ‘Detail’ venue (The Order of St John, St John’s Square, EC1V 4JJ) at stand D7, creates beautiful rugs, handwoven in India using sustainable fibres. The ‘Detail’ venue will also host Holmes Bespoke at stand D01, a brand which specialises in hand crafted rugs and carpets, created using an array of weaving techniques, including hand-tufting, knotting, weaving, looping, and carving. A final highlight at ‘Detail’ is Urban Rug Co., located at stand D7b. Look no further if you seek vibrant handmade pieces that will bring a pop of colour into your living space.

When it comes to textiles, Kirkby Design (‘Detail’, stand D2) and Kvadrat’s London showroom are well-worth visiting. To view the other brands participating in the design festival, alongside the talk and workshop programmes, please visit the Clerkenwell Design Week website.