Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), the UK’s leading design festival, returns to London from 23th to 25th May – with a stronger-than-ever programme including the exciting addition of Design London.

“With the global design community descending on London in May, Clerkenwell Design Week is the perfect new home for Design London. Amalgamating Design London (which was formerly held in Greenwich in September) into the programme of events further bolsters the experience of Clerkenwell Design Week, as the most anticipated design destination after Milan.”

Marlon Cera-Marle, Design Division Director of Media 10

“We’re thrilled to be back with Clerkenwell Design Week this May. CDW is always known for being one of the key destinations for specification – as well as discovering new talent and ideas – for architects, interior designers and creative minds alike.”

Marlon Cera-Marle

The 2023 festival welcomes two new additions to its exhibition venues across Clerkenwell, taking the total number to 12. Hosting an array of temporary shows, this year’s venues include:

• Design Fields – home to international furniture and interiors brands;
• Contract – home to commercial interiors;
• Light – home to international lighting brands;
• Project – home to workplace furniture and solutions;
• Elements – home to architectural hardware and finishes;
• British Collection – home to the best of British interiors brands;
• Detail – home to luxury interiors;
• Platform – home to emerging design talent;
• Old Sessions House – home to brand pop-ups and activations, and also the festival hub
• offering CDW visitors free access between 23 – 25 May;
• Ceramics of Italy – home to Italian tile brands;
• (NEW) The Garden – home to outdoor furniture; and
• (NEW) Catapult – home to contemporary design for office, hospitality and retail.

Together, these 12 unique venues will present over 300 design brands and emerging talent – covering furniture, kitchens and bathrooms, textiles, home interior accessories, lighting, materials and surfaces. Some of the participants include: Ercol, Dare Studio, Benchmark, Another Country, Christian Watson, James Burleigh, KI, Meridiani, Saba Italia, Samuel Heath, Romo, Ultrafabrics, Spark & Bell, Chelsom, Jonathan Coles, and Curiousa.

Another significant aspect of CDW is its network of showroom partners (full list), with an extensive line-up of topic-led initiatives and events; from product launches and exhibitions to workshops and panel discussions. This year, expect to see over 130 established names from both the UK and overseas – including: Ideal Standard, Kohler, VitrA, Cosentino, Gessi, Iris Ceramica, Arper, Fritz Hansen, Fredericia, Icons of Denmark, Modus, Flokk, Orangebox, Bisley, Lintex, Allermuir, Bolon, Camira Fabrics, Formica, Solid Nature, Havwoods, Marazzi, Strata Tiles and Parkside.

Meanwhile, eight destinations across Clerkenwell – including the Goldsmiths’ Centre, Paxton Locher House, Bourne and Hollingsworth, Groupwork, the Museum of the Order of St John, Yotel, Brewhouse Yard and Cowcross Yards – will be taken over by a selection of international brands and trade institutions; for instance, the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses and Incheon City will present a design showcase at the Order of St John.

Alongside product and showroom showcases, CDW will also bring a series of specially commissioned, site-specific installations – as part of CDW Presents – as well as brand activations from the likes of Budweiser Budvar, Baux, Lammhults, Jennifer Newman, Texaa, Swatchbox, Habbio and Universal Fibers to the streets of Clerkenwell during the festival. Watch this space for further announcements.

Also returning to CDW is Conversations at Clerkenwell – a compelling schedule of daily talks aimed to explore current industry topics, drawing upon insight, opinion and debates from designers, architects and business leaders alike. Curated by brand consultant, Katie Richardson, the 2023 talks will be hosted in a purpose-built theatre in Spa Fields – sponsored by RAK Ceramics. The full line-up of speakers will be revealed in spring.

Last but not least, throughout the festival, various design studios will open their doors to visitors who can participate in a range of creative workshops – as part of the Fringe programme – whilst enjoying a variety of discounts and deals offered by local food and drink partners.

Visit information

HOURS

• 23 May 2023 Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00
• 24 May 2023 Wednesday 10:00 - 21:00
• 25 May 2023 Thursday 10:00 - 17:00

THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com