London Design Festival 2023: Explore the Best Exhibitions, Installations, and Trade Shows

Are you ready for the ultimate design experience? The London Design Festival 2023 is just around the corner, and it's packed with exciting exhibitions, immersive installations, and inspiring trade shows. Get ready to be wowed by innovative designs, creative solutions, and thought-provoking displays. Whether you're a design enthusiast or simply curious about the latest trends, this festival has something for everyone.

Create from Waste

London Design Fair: Angus Ross Haiku Stools in Homes with a Heart

Are You Mad, a waste design company and conscious creative agency, is presenting their hyper-local recycling experiment as an exhibition during the London Design Festival. Building on the success of their Carnaby Street project, where they transformed one high street's plastic waste into a shop, this exhibition takes it one step further.

This year, artists and designers have been challenged to create objects and furniture using waste materials sourced exclusively from the bustling shopping district of Soho, London. The aim is to showcase creative solutions to the waste issues plaguing our high streets. Visitors can expect to see unique and inspiring pieces made entirely from local waste. Additionally, workshops will be held throughout the week, allowing the public to experience the recycling process firsthand and create their own handmade products.

The exhibition will take place from 18-24 September, with varying opening times. Head over to the Mayfair Design District at Recycling Centre, 99 Berwick Street, London, W1F 0QB to witness this extraordinary display of creativity and sustainability.

The Fundamentals of Caring

Are you ready for a whimsical wonderland? Curio Collection hotel Hart Shoreditch is hosting an immersive exhibition designed in collaboration with East London-based illustrator and artist James Daw. The Fundamentals of Caring challenges the traditional notions of interior design and invites visitors to experience a world of interactive elements and sensory delights.

Daw has teamed up with 4D animator Lisa Sheehan and photographer/art assistant Anna Rotar to create a truly captivating exhibition. Each exhibit has been carefully chosen and designed to connect with visitors on a deeper level, providing an immersive and unforgettable experience. From scents crafted by Aromatise to ceramic art inspired by Victorian bottles, this exhibition is a feast for the senses.

You can visit this free exhibition from 16-24 September, with opening hours from 7:00 until 23:00. Head to the Shoreditch Design Triangle at Hart Shoreditch, 61 - 67 Great Eastern St, London, EC2A 3HU to immerse yourself in this whimsical wonderland.

Spirit of Invention

Step back in time and explore the world of creative designs and inventions throughout history. This exhibition, located at The National Archives, showcases an impressive collection of designs registered with the Board of Trade since 1839. From Victorian marvels to contemporary innovations, this exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the world of design and invention.

Discover the weird and wonderful creations, from aerial flying machines to early attempts at telephones and even a ventilating top hat. The exhibition aims to explore the driving forces behind innovation and the journey from failure to success. It's a must-visit for anyone curious about the history of design and invention.

The free exhibition will run from 16-24 September, with varying opening times. Head to the National Archives at Bessant Drive, Surrey, London, TW9 4DU to witness the spirit of invention come to life.

London Design Fair

London Design Fair, the largest commercial exhibition at the London Design Festival, returns for its 14th year. This year, it showcases a contemporary selection of creators, manufacturers, and brands working across multiple disciplines. Prepare to be inspired by the latest trends and innovative designs.

One exciting addition to the fair is Homes with a Heart, a sustainably styled home curated by stylist, writer, and consultant Roddy Clarke. This area proves that you can have aesthetics without compromising on responsible production and manufacturing. Brands like Beuzeval Furniture, PLYable Design, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, and more will be showcased in this section.

Another highlight of this year's fair is the Design Alumni Pavilion, which supports emerging talent within the design community. This space will feature recent graduates who have just begun their careers in design. It's a great opportunity to discover fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

The fair will take place from 21 until 24 September, with opening times varying each day. Visit the Shoreditch Design Triangle at Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL to explore the London Design Fair.

Material Matters

Planted by Tanja Kirst from Material Matters

Material Matters is back to showcase the leaders in the design industry who are pushing the boundaries of material usage. This exhibition highlights the importance of material intelligence and its impact on our collective future.

At the entrance, you'll be greeted by the Planted installation by Danish textile designer Tanja Kirst. This remarkable display combines orange peel, seaweed, and hemp to create stunning textiles. Bert Frank, this year's headline sponsor, will also showcase their new Rinato lighting range.

Prepare to be amazed by experimental displays, demonstrations from clean-tech start-ups, and reflections on material choices made by renowned design studio Pearson Lloyd. The exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of innovative materials and their applications.

Material Matters is free but requires a ticket. It will take place from 20 until 23 September, with opening hours from 10:00 until 18:00. Head to Bargehouse Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, London, SE1 9PH to witness the future of design materials.

Aura

Experience the magic of contemporary rituals through Spanish artist Pablo Valbuena's live installation, Aura. This captivating artwork converts the sounds of voices and music inside St Paul's Cathedral into a mesmerizing three-dimensional beam of light. The projections, showcased on the inside of the cupola, create a beautiful harmony with the original Sir Christopher Wren architecture.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of art and architecture in one of London's most iconic landmarks. The installation is open for most of the festival, from 10:00 until 17:45, with extended hours on 17 and 24 September until 18:30.

Halo

Step into the celestial realm with the immersive Halo experience at St. Stephen Walbrook Church. Designed by multidisciplinary art and design agency Studio Waldemeyer, this installation consists of two layers that will leave you in awe.

The first layer features a conical pendulum embedded with integrated lights, suspended from the apex of the church. It traces a celestial path around the altar, inviting viewers into a shared space of contemplation and admiration. The grand dome of the church serves as the second layer, with illuminations inspired by natural phenomena such as the aurora borealis and the sun's corona.

The Halo installation offers a unique and captivating experience within the stunning architecture of St. Stephen Walbrook Church. Opening times vary each day from 16 until 24 September.

Get ready to embark on a design journey like no other at the London Design Festival 2023. Remember, admission to most exhibitions and installations is free, but some may require tickets. Mark your calendars, explore the venues, and prepare to be inspired!