Contemporary craft and upcycled furniture designer Nic Parnell is one to watch, and this season he showcased the Strata collection of tables, inspired by the folds and erosion in rock formations, to create unique abstract patterns. Furniture designer Russell Pinch also unveiled sofas upholstered in Martyn Thompson’s paint and drip prints.
Designjunction, held at Granary Square in King’s Cross which is a rising emerging hub in the city, showcased some of Europe’s established and up and coming names. It was here that Bethan Gray introduced her new Shamsian collection, a collaboration with Iranian artist Mohamad Reza Shamsian. The remarkable series merges traditional craft with modern, elegant and contemporary design.
These designers speak of a renewed focus on ‘crafted’ design. “Brands are working with techniques and manufacturing processes to create beautiful well made product,” says Urwin. “There were a large number of Danish and Swedish brands on show and what I love about what these guys do, is how they incorporate the incredible quality of heritage skills and merge it with innovation to create stunning modern pieces.”