Marylebone, one of central London’s most celebrated and distinctive areas, will serve as a hub of design-driven activities during its debut as a design district during the London Design Festival 2018, 15th-23rd September.
From interiors, furniture and accessories to millinery, jewellery and food/drink this globally recognised neighbourhood boasts some serious creative credentials, including internationally famous brands and smaller, independent destinations. Many of the well-known retailers and design shops on Marylebone High Street, Crawford Street, Chiltern Street, Wigmore Street and others in the surrounding neighbourhood, have joined as partners of the district.
Over the course of the festival, participants will host workshops, demonstrations and launches, with the official kick-off around Marylebone’s festival day, Wednesday 19th September. Here is a selection of some of the confirmed activities so far:
ANOTHER COUNTRY Another Country & Ekkist
18 Crawford Street W1H 1BT
CONRAN SHOP
Conran Shop x Carl Hansen & Søn 55 Marylebone High St W1U 5HS
Another Country & Ekkist launch a collaborative furniture collection, demonstrating how design can improve wellbeing. The range is inspired by the wellbeing design principles incorporated in the Ekkist and Studio McLeod- designed ‘Ori House’. Ekkist design and create buildings which focus on enhancing human health and well-being through a unique design framework, focussing on natural materials, light, air quality and aesthetics to effectively deliver design for well-being.
In celebration of the deep blue hue of the Conran Shop’s identity, furniture manufacturer Carl Hansen & Søn will champion the Danish collective’s renowned designs, but with a blue twist. Exclusive editions of Hans Wegner’s CH24 Wishbone Chair with an indigo lacquer and Hiut denim seat pad, plus a wenge CH07 Shell Chair in leather will take front and centre in the store’s windows. Visitors can also discover a portfolio of icons from Carl Hansen x Hiut Denim’s take on Kaare Klint’s intricate designs, including the Propeller Stool and Safari Chair.
DAVID MELLOR
Traffic lights to teaspoons. Seven decades of great design. 14 New Cavendish Street W1G 8UW
A closer look at the breadth of work still being produced away from the public eye by this versatile design firm. From state gifts to street furniture, bridges to hand tools, as well as the high-quality tableware for which David Mellor is best known.
LITTLE GREENE
Colours With A Story To Tell by Little Greene 3 New Cavendish Street W1G 8UX
Celebrating the new Green Colour Card in collaboration with the National Trust, Little Greene will host a series of Colour Consultancy workshops at its showroom in Marylebone. Revealing 31 colours, discovered during their joint research programme, each shade has a unique story to tell. Designers and home enthusiasts alike are invited to be one of the first to see the colour palette of 31 authentic, historical greens unveiled.
OTOMYS GALLERY
French ceramics and works on paper 67a York Street W1H 1QA
The Gallery will be exhibiting an exclusive collection of works on paper by French artist Caroline Denervaud during the London Design Festival. Complementary ceramics by Parisian Linda Oubhi and mixed media drawings by British artist Nina Dolan will also be on show. The Otomys Gallery offers an extensive range of contemporary and classical artwork in a variety of art mediums. Representing both British and international artists, Otomys highlights a global appreciation of cultural and artistic diversity.
RIBA
It Will Never Work at RIBA London 66 Portland Place W1B 1AD
This exhibition celebrates 25 years of Urban Splash, exploring this innovative architects’ award-winning projects. Urban Splash has won over 40 RIBA Awards, from Small Projects to the Stirling Prize Shortlist and cover refurbishment and new- build on residential, leisure and commercial schemes. This touring exhibition, co- curated with RIBA North, explores the practice’s award-winning projects in the context they were created and against the specific challenges and opportunities of the day.
SELFRIDGES & CO Conscious Creators
400 Oxford Street W1A 1AB
Selfridges’ LDF edit of ‘conscious creators’ is part of the store’s ongoing sustainability scheme that includes Buying Better, Inspiring Change and Project Ocean. Design-led, sustainable home accessories and kitchenware, including cushions made from recycled material, drinking glasses made from smashed phone cases, and beautifully made bamboo toothbrushes and cups.
VITSOE
A sense of belongings: exploring how an object becomes treasured Vitsœ, 3-5 Duke Street, London W1U 3ED
In this era of ever-greater disposability, Vitsœ explores how emotional attachment can ensure that man-made objects last as long as possible. The exhibition at Vitsœ’s Marylebone shop will display a number of objects that have been used and cherished for many years. Items such as a 36-year-old transatlantic tape measure, an ikat-weave sash with memories from the 80s, and an ingenious toasting fork made by a great-grandfather, have been loaned by Vitsœ’s eclectic customers and friends. The items will be displayed on Vitsœ’s 606 Universal Shelving System.
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ABOUT MARYLEBONE DESIGN DISTRICT
Marylebone Design District is coordinated by The Howard de Walden Estate and The Portman Estate, the two central London estates that together protect and promote the wider Marylebone area for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors. Both estates – which also work in partnership with the area’s Business Improvement Districts, Baker Street Quarter Partnership and Marble Arch London – have sought to develop an environment in which creative businesses can thrive. The District is supported by the Marylebone Journal, the area’s bi-monthly publication, which is distributed to 20,000 addresses in the West End.
Instagram @MaryleboneDesignDistrict, or visit www.marylebonedesigndistrict.com
