FOCUS/24: THe longer view
For the first time, the Design Centre’s flagship autumn show had an extended stay, filling the three weeks following Focus/24 with even more to see and do. Focus/24:The Longer View saw pop-up House Guests retained in the Design Avenue, with additional brands coming on board, too.
Aimed to coincide with a time when the vibrant London scene is buzzing with art and design, it brought refreshed creativity to the Design Centre, with opportunities for professional designers, specifiers and design enthusiasts to see more inspirational exhibitors for a longer period.
It also incorporated Future Heritage (25 Sept – 11 Oct), an installation of emerging and mid-career independent makers, an initiative that celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.
Mirroring the craftsmanship of the Future Heritage makers, a curated programme of events, with a special focus on the artisan skills inherent in the showrooms, accompanied the show.
“It's all about coming together at the world's premier design destination”
Pop-up House Guests in situ in the Design Avenue, offered more ways for visitors to encounter exceptional talent.
The roster of design names included:
Amy Somerville • Anna Standish Interiors • Atelier Helen • Birdie Fortescue • Blithfield • Bromley and Bouverie • Canford & Co • David Harber • Holly Hunt • Jensen Beds • Kathryn M Ireland • Leverint • Lorfords Contemporary • Marc Phillips Rugs • Marthe Armitage Prints • Martin Huxford • Moon • Paul Smith • RTfact Flowers • Vandra Rugs • Warwick • Westcot House • Zardi & Zardi • Zoe Glencross
Future Heritage
This year’s edition of Future Heritage marked its 10-year anniversary. Founded by design journalist and curator Corinne Julius, who has a track record for spotting the next big thing, it presented some of the UK’s most interesting makers. Spanning ceramics, furniture, metalwork, paper and textiles, the majority of the work has been specially created for the show. Visitors met makers Ane Christensen, Borja Moranta, Elliott Denny, Esna Su, Nicholas Lees, Richard McVetis, Tessa Silver, Hanna Fastrich, Shivangi Vasudeva and Mandy Coppes-Martin and experienced their work at first hand.
Craft and craftsmanship was at the heart of a series of panel discussions, specially curated to engage and inform. This was a unique opportunity to hear from A-list speakers including Martin Brudnizki, Shalini Misra, Guy Oliver, Winch Design and David Collins Studio, plus many more.
Guided tours were enjoyed in the company of Future Heritage’s curator Corinne Julius. The show has played a major role in the career of many makers, now considered at the peak of their careers. Connections were made with this year’s top makers, with visitors’ learning how to commission craft for interiors, and discovering how materials can be taken in new, imaginative directions.
Daily House Guests Tours and Discovering Craft Showroom Tours gave greater focus to what’s on show.
Exciting changes are taking place at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, with new showrooms opening, and existing ones expanding or relocating. New arrivals include Fox Linton, Hamilton, THG Paris, Tom Raffield and Zuber. With expanding showrooms of Frato, and relocaction of Topfloor by Esti.
Why visit...
Whether you are a trade professional, a specifier, craft enthusiast, an individual with a passion for interiors or someone looking for ideas for an upcoming project, Focus/24: The Longer View gaves visitors the opportunity to take another look. A friendly, lively environment to experience the excitement of the new collections, it is the place to share ideas and meet like-minded people.
Talks, tours and demonstrations all added up to a programme of events.
Visitors explored the showrooms, as well as House Guests and the Future Heritage installation in the Design Avenue, or spent some down time at convivial places to eat and drink.
“An unmissable show where connections are made and ideas are shared”
“The energy out there is incredible - it's got a really great feel-good factor”
Ben Spriggs, editor-in-chief, Elle Decoration
...WHAT'S ON
DESIGN DISCOVERY TOURS
Ground Floor, Design Avenue & Ground Floor, Centre Dome
Visitors discovered the most talked-about products debuts at Focus/24 with tours into the showrooms and meet the House Guests in the Design Avenue.
MAKERS THEATRE
Ground Floor, Centre Dome
A showcase of crafts for interiors, brought to life with demonstrations by skilled artisans in the Centre Dome.
ACCESS ALL AREAS
Ground Floor, Design Avenue
The Access All Areas programme sparked the imagination in and around the showrooms. Informal and informative, sessions ranged from meet the designer sessions to hands-on demonstrations and provided an opportunity for leading brands to share their stories and creative vision.
*Banner credit: ‘Desert Flower’ wallcovering by Neisha Crosland at George Spencer Designs
Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm
Monday 23 September – Friday 11 October
Everyone is welcome
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