The London Design Festival celebrates its 12th birthday this year with a capital-wide celebration of creativity running from 13-21 September
The main hub of the festival, which encompasses the major trade shows – 100% Design, Decorex International, designjunction, Focus/14, Tent London and Super Brands London – is the V&A Museum, where Olympic torch designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have created an impressive mirrored installation in the Raphael Gallery. But what for us merry south-of-the-river dwellers? Plenty. Here’s our top five:
1INTERTIDAL CINEMA
The Intertidal Cinema attempts to transform the tidal beach of Deptford into a social space, transporting people back through the history of the River Thames. The space functions at low tide, and is submerged at high tide, disappearing into the depths of the Thames. The artist and designer behind the project, Hannah Fasching, whose previous installation transformed Burnham-on-Sea’s sea wall into an outdoor cinema screen, asks whether we can continue to exist within an infrastructure that seeks to not only resist, but nullify natural forces?
Free. Running Saturday 13 (9.30pm-10.15pm), Sunday 14 (9.50pm-10.40pm) and Monday 15 September (10.15-11pm). 8-12 Creekside, Deptford SE8 3DX. See theintertidalcinema.co.uk
2MINI MODERNS REMIX
Cult Brit homewares brand Mini Moderns, established in 2006 by Camberwellians Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire, takes over the Southbank Centre’s Festival Terrace shop in September with REMIX. Mini Moderns specialises in contemporary patterned wallpapers, fabrics, cushions and ceramics, influenced by mid-century British textiles and vintage toys, and has created a number of designs with Southbank Centre over the years. REMIX sees Keith and Mark curate a unique product mix, host a talk on upholstery by Lucy Mortimer, founder of furniture brand Galapagos, and commission a site-specific installation by artist Matt Sewell to coincide with the launch of their new wallpaper collaboration.
Mini Moderns take over Southbank Centre’s Festival Terrace Shop with REMIX
3BRIXTON DESIGN DISTRICT
The festival has long nurtured areas where there is a concentration of design expertise. This year it’s Brixton’s turn to prove itself, with pubs, restaurants, shops and galleries reflecting Brixton’s diversity working with designers to transform the area. There will be events throughout the week, including an installation at the Tube station that kicks off a design trail.
‘The Brixton design scene is vibrant and innovative,’ says Brixton Design District organiser and co-owner of Circus boutique in Brixton Village, Binki Taylor, ‘And we have got the support of local businesses to form some fantastic partnerships. This is a chance to show why the area deserves to be a destination for those seeking out the most exciting in London design.’
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Innovative projects like the Brixton Pound have earned the area nods for its creative community
READ: OUR TOP 10 WEST LONDON EVENTS FOR LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL
44 CORNERS BY JON DANIEL
Graphic Designer Jon Daniel, who lives on the Herne Hill/Brixton borders, has taken on many local design initiatives. He was responsible the ‘Jamaicons’ (above) mounted on the walls of the Ritzy to celebrate 50 years of Jamaican independence in 2012. 4 Corners is Jon’s regular column for the website Design Week, which showcases creatives from the African diaspora and explores the emerging markets of Asia, Latin-America and Africa. This free talk introduces work from the USA, Africa, Europe & The Caribbean.
10.30am-11.30am. Lecture Theatre, V&A, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL; jon-daniel.com
5LIVE 3D PRINTING
The Turpentine and Dee Three, two south London-based start-ups with a passion for good design and new technology, are teaming up to bring 3D printing to the streets of Brixton. Visitors will be able to watch the fascinating process in action with live printing in store and learn more about the capabilities of 3D printing at the preview evening. Dee Three will be giving a free talk and Q&A on all things 3D printing and you can buy printed-to-order 3D printed jewellery hot off the press! Live printing takes place daily from 13-15 September with a special preview night on Thursday 11 September at 7.30pm.
‘This is the first time regular live 3D printing has come to south London and we hope to inspire local designers, artists and everyone with the exciting possibilities that 3D printing presents, ‘ said Jude de Berker, jewellery designer and co-founder of the Turpentine.
The Turpentine, 433 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8LN. Tickets are free but limited, click here to book
See 3D printing live in action at The Turpentine