Trafalgar Square, London. Get your thinking caps on for the centre piece of this year's London Design Festival – a giant interactive chess set inspired by iconic London buildings. The ceramic pieces have been handcrafted by Spanish designer, Jaime Hayón, and are moved across the glass mosaic chess board by The Tournament Team. Watch as contestants from the British Chess Federation and members of the public battle it out to become The Tournament champion.
Rabih Hage Gallery, London. In this compelling exhibition, Rabih Hage selects pieces from his furniture collection and gives them a new and unique edge. Blending bare wood, chipped paint and rough edges with opulent contemporary materials, Hage aims to use the contrasts and layers of an object to tell its history. From the Tonneau Chair to the Bucket Sofa, there are plenty of exquisite pieces to marvel at. A must see.
Craft Central, London. Pick up unique pieces of contemporary craft, get sneak previews of new designs, mingle with the makers, and snap up bargains from previous collections at this awesome interiors sale.
Earls Court, London. Discover the latest designs from an exciting mix of new and established talent at this annual showcase, connecting the worlds of architecture and design with innovative, contemporary interior products. Plus, rub shoulders with the industry's key players.
Earls Court, London. 100% Norway showcases the best new works of ice–cool designers from the frosty North. Curated by Henrietta Thompson, design editor with Wallpaper*, along with co–curator Benedicte Sunde from the Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture, the exhibition includes such gorgeous delights as the Diva lamp from Northern Lighting and the Duo sofa by LK Hjelle.
Earls Court, London. For the edgiest designers and most provocative products at the festival, head to Designersblock. From mushroom clothes hooks to Thomas Thwaites' infamous Toaster Project, this is future–focussed, out there design at its very best. Design traditionalists steer clear.
Berkeley Square, London. Mosey on over to glamorous Mayfair to browse the wares of some 80 of LAPADA's fully vetted members. Expect everything from medieval to contemporary art and antiques.
Truman Brewery, London. Head to hipster HQ, Brick Lane, for London Design Festival’s most diverse design exhibition. From shows and installations by Guy Brown and Bricolage, to hot new names filling the Talent Zone, Tent London has it all. Come and check out art and architecture, vintage and contemporary design by emerging and established designers, dealers, retailers, manufacturers and brands from around the world. Phew!
Haunch of Venison Gallery, London. Support Britain’s homeless by checking out this unique exhibition from housing charity Shelter. As part of their House of Cards campaign, Shelter have invited 52 of the country’s top artists and designers to create individual pieces based on a playing card from the deck. Rankin, Vivienne Westwood, Damien Hirst and Sir Terence Conran are just a few of the big names exhibiting. Art with heart.
Anish Kapoor 26 September– 11 December
The Royal Academy, London. Browse a series of signature works by one of one of the most influential and pioneering sculptors of our time, Anish Kapoor. Highlights include pigment works, stainless steel reflective sculptures and a major sculpture in the Annenberg Courtyard. Not to be missed.
Royal Hospital Chelsea, London. Get some culture with your croissants at the British Interior Design Association’s breakfast seminar. Hear from glam New York interior designer Harry Schnaper and Brixton–based product designer Gareth Devonald–Smith. Inspiration and design know–how from Brixton to the Big Apple and back.
Royal Hospital Chelsea, London. Consider yourself a interiors pro? Make sure you're up to date on the latest innovations by checking out Decorex's carefully edited selection of wallpapers, fabrics, lighting and bespoke services. Then brush up on the latest trends at lectures by the likes of Elle Decoration editor Michelle Ogundehin. (Trade only)
Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, London. Spend four days previewing new collections, attending masterclasses, and mingling with design greats such as Michael S. Smith, who recently refurbished President Obama’s private White House quarters. So much to learn, so little time!
October 2009
Tate Modern, London. Are you a material girl (or boy)? Then head over to the Tate and discover how artists cultivate themselves as branded products through a dazzling mix of media, commerce and glamour. The show includes works from such greats as Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst and the granddaddy of Pop Art, Andy Warhol. Expect fun, kitsch and glitz.
Earl’s Court, London. Spend a day viewing the latest trends and designs, speaking to the experts, discovering how to add value to your home, and watching live DIY demos - all under one (very expansive) roof.
Somerset House, London. Set in the gorgeous Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, in a specially designed pavilion, The London Craft Fair is the perfect place for anyone interested in contemporary craft. See, buy or even commission a unique piece from 300 of the finest makers.
Tate Britain, London. See the shortlisted entrants battle it out for art’s most notorious prize. Come and check out contemporary surrealist works, abstract installations and exquisite wall paintings, then join the age old debate: “Is it art?”
Sandown Park Racecourse, Surrey. Another top date for the antique lover's calendar, this new show promises 40 specialist exhibitors selling furniture, jewellery, ceramics, glass, works of art and more.
V & A, London. Marvel at the exuberance of former Indian royalty at this unique display of their artifacts, paintings, textiles, photography, jewellery and furniture.
The Design Museum, London. Discover the subtle style of one of Britain’s leading architects with this fantastic overview of his major recent projects. See his unrivalled sensitivity for materials and awareness of environment put into perfect practice with masterpieces such as the Museum of Modern Literature in Marbach, Germany, and the Hepworth Museum in Wakefield, Yorkshire.
November 2009
Business Design Centre, London. Deck your halls a little early this year with a whizz around this super-festive fair. From food and drink to gifts and decorations, it has everything you need to fill your home with Christmas cheer.
Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire. Can't make it to London? Head here to find a treasure trove of antique pieces – all with LAPADA's seal of approval.
Boiler House on Brick Lane, London. Head over to London’s trendy East end and pick up a unique treat from the UK’s hottest designer-makers and designers. Textiles, lighting, ceramics, furniture, posters and prints - you name it, they’ve got it. It’s your one-stop shop for one-off pieces.
December 2009
Newark & Nottinghamshire Showground, Nottinghamshire. Browse 4000 stalls at Europe’s largest antiques fair. From furniture, paintings and textiles, to toys, grandfather clocks and antique maps – this treasure trove has more unique finds than you’ll know what to do with.
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