Clerkenwell, the heart of London’s creative industries and home to our London office, played host to Clerkenwell Design Week at the end of May. This vibrant festival, celebrated as the UK’s leading design event, showcases the world’s foremost interiors brands through 600+ showroom events, curated exhibitions, striking installations, topical talks, and more.
The Mailen Design team was out in force participating in this three-day extravaganza, embracing the wealth of inspiration and community spirit it offered.
Day 1: Creative Exploration Despite the Rain
The opening day of Clerkenwell Design Week greeted us with a typical British drizzle, but the weather did not dampen our spirits.
We kicked off the festival with a Suminagashi workshop at The Gallery. This ancient Japanese art of marbling provided a fantastic opportunity for our team to stretch our creative muscles and experiment with new artistic techniques. The workshop was a refreshing change from our usual architectural tasks and allowed us to explore our artistic sides in a new medium.
Following this, we visited several showrooms, including Bolon and Wilkhahn, where we were inspired by their innovative and sustainable products and designs. The evening culminated in the Domus Opening Party, a lively event where we connected with fellow designers and industry experts, setting a spirited tone for the days to come.
It was great seeing the Domus Campus come to life and transition from showroom to social space. Our design for this creative retrofit, completed in May 2023 (and our sixth collaboration with Domus), was intentionally crafted to be adaptable and versatile, suitable for various social events. Experiencing the space in action during the Domus Opening Party brought us immense joy and validated our vision for its potential.
Day 2: Hands-On Creativity and Design Discovery
We started the second day of Clerkenwell Design Week with a terrazzo coaster making workshop. Using ethical stone and tiles from Parkside Tiles UK, inspired by their collaboration with Hackney artist Coco Lom, we crafted unique and beautiful coasters. This hands-on activity was not only fun but also emphasised the importance of sustainable materials and creative collaborations.
Afterwards, we took a stroll around Clerkenwell, admiring the numerous outdoor installations that dotted the area. Each installation showcased a blend of creativity and ingenuity, sparking ideas for our own projects.
In the afternoon, we participated in a Jesmonite workshop, where we created marbleised trinket trays. This session was a fantastic team-building exercise, allowing us to collaborate closely and share ideas in a relaxed creative environment.
The day concluded with a memorable visit to the Old Sessions House. Touring through the exhibitors, we explored an array of design materials, fixtures, and finishes. The party provided a vibrant atmosphere to engage with peers and soak in the cutting-edge designs on display.
Day 3: Sunny Skies and a Grand Finale
The final day of CDW was blessed with sunshine, bringing a palpable energy to the streets of Clerkenwell, particularly around the doorstep of our office on Great Sutton Street. The area was bustling with visitors, and we were delighted to welcome a few drop-ins who came by to say hello and discuss our recent projects.
Our team attended a lunchtime talk at Domus featuring Jay Osgerby, who shared insights on Barber & Osgerby’s decade-long collaboration with Italian tile producers Mutina. The discussion was deeply engaging, providing valuable perspectives on long-term design partnerships and innovation.
The festival concluded with a grand closing party at Domus. The evening was filled with lively conversations, music, and a shared sense of accomplishment among the design community. It was the perfect end to a week brimming with inspiration, creativity, and collaboration.
Looking Forward
Our experience at Clerkenwell Design Week was nothing short of inspiring. It was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in design. We are invigorated by the new ideas and connections forged during the event and look forward to continuing our journey of collaboration and sustainable design with our colleagues in Clerkenwell and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from Mailen Design, as we continue to draw inspiration from such enriching experiences and incorporate them into our projects.