We participated as part of Room 12, curated by tp bennett and The Furniture Practice, in a project exploring the furniture industry’s relationship with the circular economy. Alongside MARK, we proudly represented UK manufacturers, showcasing our heritage and local social impact, as we continue to weave sustainability into everything we do. The exhibit aimed to explore the components, materials, and processes behind delivering products to market, while also focusing on our impact on local communities.

The four days were lively and engaging, filled with architects, designers, students, and the public. It was a pleasure to share our "Made in Britain" story and explain our “Made for Life” company ethos to both new audiences and those familiar with our brand. We also highlighted our diversification and expansion into new product and sector offerings.

The event began with two well-attended late-night previews for press and the architecture and design community. We were fortunate to be located across from the show’s café bar, which acted as a central hub and was produced in partnership with Smile Plastics. We were also adjacent to the 'storytelling space'. On Wednesday, our Senior Product Designer, William Knight, joined Anna and John from MARK Product for a discussion in this space, centred around our local and social impact.

As part of Room 12 we were pleased to exhibit next to our friends at Camira whose fabric featured on our displayed MARK Product Flow sofa, nearby Solus Ceramics were exhibiting playful Terrazzo tiles incorporating materials such as marbles and watch parts and Normann Copenhagen, Humanscale, and many others also displayed close by with engaging storytelling. It was also a pleasure to meet new faces, including Barcelona-based Suru and Australian artisans REDDIE, who showcased exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability.

Stepping outside of Material Matters, we explored a few must-see exhibitions in the Shoreditch Design Triangle as part of the London Design Festival.

Vitra and Artek collaborated with UK luxury designer Paul Smith to emphasise the connection between interior and fashion design. Their display highlighted shared values of innovation, lasting quality, and human-centred design. "Artek Reimagined by Paul Smith" featured iconic Artek designs by Alvar Aalto, including the Stool 60, Screen 100, and Coat Rack 109. Paul Smith's signature stripe motif was reimagined through subtle wood stains and a striking Ultramarine Blue accent, immediately capturing attention.

At Protein Studios, Dezeen teamed up with ASUS Zenbook to present an exhibit titled "Design You Can Feel", which explored materiality, craftsmanship, and artificial intelligence. The items on display showcased how form, colour, and texture can be combined to create objects that awaken the senses. The exhibit felt futuristic, mirroring the sleek style of the ASUS Zenbook, and encouraged interaction with its abstract objects and materials displayed.

Our experience at Material Matters during the London Design Festival was both inspiring and insightful. Collaborating with MARK Product in a curated showcase exploring the circular economy in the furniture industry gave us the opportunity to share our "Made in Britain" story, highlight our expanding product range, and discuss the sustainable innovations shaping the future of our industry with fellow professionals.

Here's a 3D walkthrough of the Material Matters exhibition, courtesy of tp bennett.

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