A resounding success! That’s a wrap on a remarkable CDW week at the Umbrella and Wagstaff showroom with three days of learning, product launches, networking, connectivity and the infamous hospitality at their Brewhouse Yard EC1 home.
Matt Clarke, MD of Umbrella Furniture reflected on the events success. “It was fantastic to welcome so many creatives into our space across the week celebrating circular design. Our twelve amazing ‘Umbrella+Friends’ brands delivered stunning product presentations, and with the two evening panel debates, a CPD Sustainability workshop plus our famous hospitality, our central showroom became a key destination throughout the festival.”
Now in its 15th edition, Clerkenwell Design Week showcases a curated mix of leading brands and emerging talent, bringing the architecture and design community together in an annual festival in London EC1, with the Umbrella showroom at the geographical core.
In the showroom, the three core themes RENEW | REFRESH | REDEFINE led the content. The Umbrella+Friends partners created an inspiring journey through the showroom with unique and immersive presentations.
Swedish heritage brand Edsbyn presented new and current pieces including NEW Eski stool (Luca Nichetto) and the Everlong Sofa (Jens Fager). Swedese, also from Sweden, included the rounded Pillo armchair (Khodi Feiz), and Luna desk (Broberg and Ridderstråle). Danish brand FDB Møbler displayed classic and new pieces by Poul Volther, Jørgen Bækmark, Carina Maria Nielsen and Stine Weigelt; displayed with Le Klint’s delicate handmade pleated lighting. International brand Normann Copenhagen celebrated the recycled BIT collection and the outdoor VIG collection, and Czech heritage brand Ton presented the La Zitta chair (Alexander Gufler) and the reinterpreted Chair 314 (Cleasson, Koivisto & Rune). Square Bear, sister company of Thinking Works unveiled Circolo (Patryk Koca), an infinitely modular soft-seating collection.
British brands Isomi and Jott Studio focused on circular design and craft; Isomi unveiled new Tejo (Paul Croft Studios) modular seating system crafted from responsibly managed cork forests, and Jott Studio was onsite throughout workshopping the recyclable and disassemble assets of the 01 Circular Armchair. Innovative new DiNOC RC interior film by T6Int made from recycled polyester and scallop shell powder surrounded the space, and Waste to Wonder illuminated the industry presenting their powerful impact through fundraising and redistributing used office furniture to worldwide schools and charities.
The enlightening speaker line up led to a full house each evening. Roddy Clarke with OnOffice magazine discussed ‘The Journey to Circular Design’ with panellists Cecilia Sebesta from Edsbyn, Matt Redding from Gensler, Paul Croft from Paul Croft Designs, Zefa MoNgan from MCM and Paul Curtis from Waste to Wonder. On the second evening, Mick Jordan from Works Magazine asked, ‘How are you washing your greens?’ with panellists Lucy Bagshaw from TPBennett, Georgia Elliott-Smith from Ethos, Colin Macgadie from For Everyday Life, Ana Rita Martin from MCM and Rachel Merriman from FA Premier League. Expanding on the knowledge focus, Swatchbox hosted a dedicated CPD workshop delving into the global issue of sample waste.
The showroom was truly an immersive experience and a fantastic hub for collaboration and exchange of knowledge between many of the industries key names. Umbrella Furniture and Wagstaff have already put plans in place for 2025 and are excited to build on the success of this year.