Clerkenwell Design Week 2023

Clerkenwell Design Week 2023

This year Clerkenwell, the UK’s leading design festival, celebrated its 14th anniversary. The extensive programme of talks, exhibitions, installations and parties across the city over a 3 day period drew thousands of visitors from across the world.

First on the list was the opening party at Old Sessions House in Clerkenwell Green. Lighting brand Chelsom were the official sponsor showcasing an incredible collection, as well as their newest launch, Edition 28.

Our favourite of the exhibitions was the 'British Collection', located in the crypt of St James's Church. A forward focussed spotlight on local British brands such as Benchmark Furniture, Dare Studio, VG&P and Sebastian Cox.

‘Light' was another well curated show, held within the subterranean House of Detention, a former Victorian prison. Each cell a host for wonderful installations and a number of new international brands.

The hightlight of the show was undoubtably the Baux installation who’s exterior was designed in collaboration with Morag Myerscough. A colourful activation in the heart of St John’s Square. Inside the space was an installation looking at the future of Architecture, Interior Design, and Wellbeing.

Across the city there were installations from inflatables to sculptures in the most unlikely of places; particularly amazing was Steve Messam’s Large scale ‘Gateway’ sat under St John’s gate measuring an impressive 15m in length with 27 giant spikes! 

Words by
Lucy Goddard
Creative Director, NC Studio