“As the London Design Fair continues to grow, we are adding exciting new and relevant elements, and building on already successful components: for example, our Guest Country pavilion, Material of the Year and the British Craft Pavilion,” comments Jimmy MacDonald, founder and director at London Design Fair.
“With these specialisms come the need for specialists, and the 2017 Fair will bring first-rate curating and commissions. Hole & Corner will curate the British Craft Pavilion and Sight Unseen will curate this year’s Guest Country pavilion: USA. Ariane Prin will create a site specific Jesmonite installation for our Material of the Year.
“As a result, we are able to offer an enhanced level of experimentation, quality and experience for visitors.”
LDF highlights
- In 2016, LDF added its first Guest Country Pavilion to the show programme, focusing on Indian craft and makers. In the spotlight this year is the USA. Under the heading ‘Assembly’, the pavilion will be curated by Jill Singer and Monica Khemsurov, founders of pionerring online magazine, Sight Unseen. With a focus on the resurgent US design scene, Assembly will bring together a broad sweep of 13 independent designers from across the USA. Included in the line-up is sculptor and designer, Fernando Mastrangelo.
- The 2017 Swedish Design Pavilion is subsudised by and facilitated in conjunction with Southern Sweden Creatives. Up to eight Swedish designers, studios and companies will share the pavilion space. Amongst these are Swedish Ninja, which designs and produces a colourful range of lighting and furniture, Arlöv-based industrial design studio, Andreason & Leibel and industrial designer and curator, Petra Lilja.
- The British Craft Pavilion will make a return this year, doubling in size to accommodate the work of over 40 choice makers. Amongst these, Stoke-on-Trent-based ceramicist Reiko Kaneko will showcase her distinctive, expressive ceramics and glassware and east London studio, Forest + Found, will display its sculptural wooden objects and large textile pieces.
- 2017 also sees the welcome return of Craft Scotland and Emergents to LDF, where they will present the second edition of the Scotland: Craft & Design Pavilion. A range of makers will exhibit ceramics, lighting, glass, mixed media, furniture and textiles.
- This year’s show will feature a diverse array of independent studios and global brands alike, from Italian creative studio, Matteo Cibic and Polish studio, Bujnie, to London-based artist and designer, Zuza Mengham and textile manufacturer, Cole & Son.
Register for your ticket here.
