Design

Carol O’Callaghan showcases the Irish element of the influential London Design Festival which takes place next week.

The London Design Festival is calling, luring us across the water to see all that is new and beautiful in international design.

It’s the place to spot that piece of ceramic or glass, that statement chair or sofa, the latest wall covering, lighting, textiles, or practical but stylish kitchen kit to inspire your next interiors project.

It’s bright, bold, brave, and the spiritual home of anyone who worships a beautifully conceived and executed object.

In the midst of it will be a slew of Irish designer makers showing Irish-made products that stand out with an aesthetic very often rooted in nature and has proved to have considerable appeal to international urbanite collectors.

One to watch out for at 100% Design, taking place at Earls Court from Sept 19-22, is furniture and lighting designer Shane Holland showing his Ruray desk light (pictured).

Inspired by his observations of the sea around the Irish coastline it made waves at last year’s London Design Festival when it attracted the attention of the online design community and became the subject of a frenzy of activity on blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. As a result, it is now being exported to Australia and Korea.

“It touches people when you bring yourself into the story of what you’ve made,” says Shane, “and it’s important for Irish designers to communicate their story. London is our nearest major hub of design where we can engage with international visitors as well as UK design professionals.”

Another company venturing to 100% Design to engage with this audience is design duo Kate Cronin and Liz Fingleton of Klickity who will show their collection of home accessories including lampshades, clocks, and a clever little snap-together notice board that can grow and expand as needs require.

Inspiration comes from the clean lines of origami forms and a self-assembly approach that’s finished in bright zingy colours adding a playful feel to the finished products.

Launching at this show will be the work of textile designer Jacinta Edge-Moody whose love of textiles and the influence of an electrician father prompted the intriguing development of lighting incorporated into textiles.

Meanwhile, across London at Shoreditch where an abundance of low-rise warehouses and garages has made it an in-demand location for exhibitions and a hub for the art and design community, the Crafts Council of Ireland is spearheading a show of Irish designer makers.

Called A Place to Gather, and forming part of the Shoreditch Design Triangle, visitors can expect the space to be filled with works by more than 20 Irish designers working in lighting, glass, furniture, floor coverings, sofas, and ceramics shown in a context where the viewer can see the relevance to their everyday lives, and arranged for use. www.londondesignfestival.com

¦ Next week it’s something for the boys