Top Picks for LDF 2023

In honour of Sir Christopher Wren’s 300th anniversary, London Design Festival, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, collaborates with contemporary designers to celebrate his architectural legacy through two landmark projects.

AURA by Pablo Valbuena

‘Aura’ transforms cathedral sounds into a pulsating light, exploring the fusion of time, sound and light in contemporary rituals.

Location: St Pauls Cathedral, London EC4M 8AD, 16 – 24 Sept

HALO by Studio Waldemeyer

‘Halo’ creates a celestial experience with a transcendent light installation, uniting history, art and spirituality in a meditative atmosphere. Both projects honour Wren’s enduring influence and relevance in the 21st century.

Location: St Stephen Walbrook, 39 Walbrook, London EC4N 8BN, 16 – 24 Sept

Material Matters

After a hugely successful debut last year, Material Matters returns to the atmospheric Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf. Now in its second year, the design fair will bring together world-leading brands, designers, makers and organisations to celebrate the importance of materials and their ability to shape our lives. TFP is excited to be Official Furniture Partner for Material Matters this year, collaborating with manufacturers such as Carl Hansen, Fredericia, Flokk, Andreu World and Gubi to create the fair’s main talks space.

Join us Wednesday at 6pm as Phil Towle, TFP's Head of Sustainability & Supply Chain, joins experts from TP Bennett and Planet Mark for the panel 'Zeroing on Carbon' moderated by Disegno. They'll be diving deep into the challenges and potential of data, envisioning a circular model for furniture and decoding industry jargon.

Location: Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, London SE1 9PH, 20 – 23 Sept

London Design Fair

London Design Fair makes its much-anticipated return to the international design calendar. Held at Truman Brewery, Shoreditch, it features cutting-edge designs, international pavilions and more. Trade, press, and VIP access all days. Tickets available here.

Location: Truman Brewery Brick Lane, London E1 6QL, 21 – 24 Sept

Kaare Klint, The Father of Danish Modern Design by Carl Hansen & Søn

Carl Hansen & Søn commends one of the most influential founding fathers of Danish furniture design Kaarw Klint, by re-introducing new designs and showcasing highlights from Klint’s life’s work.

Location: 48a Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8LP, 19 – 23 Sept

A Blend of Light, Art Installation and Furniture, by Hilton London Bankside

London-based designer, Marina Garlo presents the installation of her debut piece GARLO I Chaise Longue. The piece is inspired by the stars and aims to create a connection between the viewer and an existence that is usually light-years away.

Location: 2-8 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0UG, 16 – 24 Sept

Hackability of the Stool by Vitra

Tokyo based architect Daisuke Motogi’s research project and installation ‘Hackability of the Stool’ features 100 ideas for altering the iconic Stool 60, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933.

Location:

32 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3LX, 18 – 24 Sept

Michael Wilford: A Legacy in Colour by Sto

This exhibition by award-winning photographer Richard Bryant, celebrates the legacy of Stirling Prize winner Michael Wilford CBE (1938 – 2023) and the future possibilities of materials and colour in architecture.

Location: 153 - 157 Goswell Road, London EC1V 7HD, 18 – 22 Sept

Small Spaces in the City by Roca London Gallery

Small Spaces in the City, curated by Clare Farrow Studio, explores the unique challenges posed by tiny homes in cities like London, Tokyo, Berlin, and various others, while highlighting inventive solutions for these limited spaces.

Location: Roca London Gallery Station Court, Townmead Road, London SW6 2PY, 16 – 23 Sept

Discover the Kupoli Collection by Cameron Design House

Award-winning British sculptural lighting design studio Cameron Design House showcases the Kupoli Collection, a collection of statement furniture, that seamlessly merges artistry and craftsmanship with functionality.

Location: Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, Lots Road, London SW10 0XE, 18 - 22 Sept

Create from Waste by Are You Mad

Are You Mad’s exhibition unites artists and designers who are crafting objects and furniture using the waste produced in Soho, London.

Location: 99 Berwick Street, London W1F 0QH, 18 – 24 Sept

Nothing Happens if Nothing Happens by Isola Design

This exhibition will be a path between market-ready furniture and materials made with a circular approach, using natural resources and industrial waste.

Location: Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, London SE1 9PH, 20 –23 Sept

Spirit of the Place by Simone Brewster

Artist, designer, educator and cultural change-maker Simone Brewster, in collaboration with Amorim, will showcase ‘Spirit of Place’ at Strand Aldwych, featuring five expansive sculptural vessels.

Location: Strand Aldwych, London WC2R 1ES, 16 – 24 Sept

Local Makers at Market by Market Peckham

Highlighting the finest design talent in Southwark through a range of pop-up retail, workshops, and interactive experiences held at Market Peckham’s ground floor space.

Location: 133a Rye Lane, London SE15 4BQ, 16 & 21 – 24 Sept

Fredericia Open Showroom with Hugo Passos by Fredericia

Danish furniture brand Fredericia, showcases its latest collaborations including the Gomo collection of chairs with Hugo Passos.

Location: 1 Dufferin Street, London EC1Y 8NA, 18 – 22 Sept