Tent is part of the London Design Festival. I’ve been dropping by for years and always come away feeling inspired. This year they had over 250 independent designers, with established names alongside rising stars.
Of course I wanted to see all those amazing designers, but I also have a soft spot for the venue – the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. Why can’t all design shows be held in this gorgeous building? Even though I’m now a confirmed Brightonian, Shoreditch is my favourite part of London. I lived there for over 10 years, so I am a bit biased.
There were plenty of cool designers and products on show this year. But rather than list them all (which would be more like a catalogue and take you about a day to read), here are my highlights.
Karen Hay-Edie from Mourne Textiles rocking a bit of loom action. This family-run weaving business is based at the foot of the beautiful Mourne Mountains in Ireland. Great to see traditional skills being kept alive.
Beautiful softly-coloured ceramics by Tortus Copenhagen. Tortus is about the love of making and passion for materials, and a self-declared responsibility for preserving this century-old Danish craft.
These gorgeous colourful throws from SophieHome are 100% cotton. They are unbelievably soft and even more impressive up close. She has to be one of my favourite finds this year.
Dulux announced the Colour of the Year for 2016 at Tent. Cherished Gold. “Bright enough to attract attention while also subtly referring to the past and the colour of the earth.” It combines well with other colours such as dark, inky blues and Scandinavian greys. That scheme sums up half the rooms in my house, so I approve.
Vintage-style lights inspired by tattoo art from TATT Light. Each piece is handmade in the UK, using a treatment method that effectively tattoos the artwork into the metal facade. Definitely has the wow – or pow – factor.
And finally, I saw this outside the Owl & Pussycat just up the road from the show. You gotta love a good pub board.
