2018 will again play host to hundreds of design-led fringe events, showroom presentations, workshops, talks and public-facing installations. Activities will run over three days and follow a distinct trail north to south from Spa Fields down to Farringdon.
New Graphics
For 2018, CDW has commissioned Made Up studio to create an identity especially for the festival. Made Up’s work is rooted in drawing, geometric shapes, isometric grids, interconnected forms and a surreal three-dimensional aesthetic, and covers work for realms such as advertising, editorial, branding and exhibitions.
Showrooms
Integral to the festival are the local resident design showrooms, many of whom partner with CDW, providing an array of stimulating events from talks and workshops to major installations.
Exhibitions
CDW’s exhibitions are hosted in distinctive spaces around the area linked by a route running through the centre of EC1. There are seven exhibitions, each with a different curatorial focus.
Exhibition venues from north to south:
Light
New for 2018 is an exciting exhibition dedicated to light. Fabric, a former cold-store turned nightclub, will host within its brick vaults an exhibition of top international lighting brands showing the latest collections, cutting-edge and innovative new products and presenting spectacular standalone lighting installations.
Elements
New for 2018, Elements will bring together a leading selection of ironmongery, hardware, switch plates and architectural accessories within a street-market-style pavilion on St John’s Square, becoming a go-to destination for designers looking for the perfect final finish.
Design Fields
Situated at the northern end of Clerkenwell, Design Fields will host a busy hub, showcasing leading furniture, lighting and product design from around the world, as well as offering a diverse selection of places to eat and drink while exploring the district.
Platform
Hosted within the subterranean depths of The House of Detention, Platform showcases exciting up-and-coming design talent in the former remand prison.
Project
Set in the Garden of St James within the beautiful grounds of Clerkenwell’s parish church, Project brings together a leading selection of contract furniture, lighting and surface brands from around the globe.
British Collection
Now in its third year, British Collection will be located in the barrel-roofed Crypt of St James’s Church. Up-and-coming designers from the UK will showcase their latest furniture, lighting and product designs within this historically-rich space.
Detail
Detail can be found within the Garden & Crypt of the Order of St John. Detail reflects principles of fine craftsmanship and high glamour, showcasing the best and most prestigious names in the world of luxury interiors who will be exhibiting throughout the venue’s majestic church, crypt and cloister garden.
CDW Presents
Each year, Clerkenwell Design Week presents new design projects and commissioned installations located within high-profile spaces across Clerkenwell. Working with leading names in design, engineering and architecture, these projects aim to bring spectacle and energy to the district whilst pushing the boundaries of design concepts, process and material capabilities.