Clerkenwell Design Week 2014 reports an attendance of 32,300 visitors over three days last month (20th-22nd May). Led by new show director William Knight, the event also marked the festival’s fifth edition, as well as the launch of its new show, Additions, taking over the Crypt on the Green at St James Church.
In total, 57% of the visitors were architects and designers – a 10% increase compared to 2013.
This year’s Clerkenwell Design Week partnered with over 60 local showrooms – including high-end contract furniture, lighting, kitchen, bathroom and material manufacturers – to promote the latest design projects, from Arper and Vitra, to bulthaup Clerkenwell, Knoll, Desso Domus Tiles and Workstation.
Set against the historic backdrop of Clerkenwell, the festival was centred upon four focused exhibitions - Design Factory, Platform, Detail and Additions, providing over 2856 sqm of show space to design brands from more than 20 countries. Exhibiting brands ranged from festival veterans Foscarini, Artemide, Another Country, Ginger & Jagger and Pinch, to newcomers including Benchmark, Discipline, St Judes, Hend Krichen, Tori Murphy and Chisel & Mouse.
In addition to the exhibitions, Clerkenewell Design Week showcased an array of specially-commissioned projects, street spectacles and pop-up workshops, as part of its CDW Presents and Fringe series.
William Knight comments: “Clerkenwell Design Week is always known for its energy and community spirit, where designers, architects and creative minds alike from all over the world gather to celebrate innovative design and creativity.
“Overall, we’re absolutely delighted with this year’s turnout, the highest number of attendance since we launched the festival in 2010. We have had overwhelming responses from everyone including sponsors, showroom partners, exhibitors, collaborators and visitors. We believe that this year’s festival has once again proven Clerkenwell’s position as an international design district, and a true melting pot for creative talent.
“We’re very pleased to reach our fifth anniversary this year and launch our new show Additions. We had an increased number of showroom partners and exhibitors, a range of thought-provoking installations and activities to get the visitors involved, and our star-studded talks programme. Clerkenwell Design Week 2014 was a real success and we look forward to bringing this exciting festival to Clerkenwell again in 2015!”
