For the first time, German furnishing specialists are currently presenting themselves with an official German joint stand at Clerkenwell Design Week. The show is considered the leading British design exhibition and will take place from 21 to 23 May 2024 in the London borough of Clerkenwell. The international design community presents itself in a dozen unusual exhibition locations and more than 160 stylish showrooms. Art and design installations in streets and parks reinforce the event character. 'We were so impressed by the inspiring atmosphere of Clerkenwell Design Week during our visit last year that we would like to expand the presence of the German furnishing industry at this important event,' says Jan Kurth, Managing Director of the German Furniture Industry Associations. With exports of almost 480 million euros, the United Kingdom was the fifth-largest export market for the German furniture industry last year.
Photo: VDM
At the request of the furniture associations, the London trade fair was included in the federal government's foreign trade fair programme for the first time, and the participation of German exhibitors is thus financially supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. As part of the German joint participation, nine German suppliers from the fields of furniture, lighting, floor coverings and home textiles will be exhibiting. In addition to the traditional furniture brand Thonet, these include Parador (floor coverings), Blanco (sinks/fittings), Mawa Design (lighting), Continental (surface materials for interiors), Coldharbour Tiles (wall and decorative tiles made from recycled plastic waste), HS Heritage (garden furniture), Indorama Ventures Fibers Germany (home textiles) and Vasevoll (vase arrangements). The federal government and the furniture associations will also be represented with information stands.
The German Pavilion is housed in the 'Catapult' building on the corner of Sekforde Street and St. James Walk. The Berlin-based architectural firm HPB Holland, Papert & Birnbaum developed a minimalist stand concept that ensures a high-quality presentation of the products and fits perfectly into the classic ambience. Last year, around 300 exhibitors and 37,000 visitors were counted at the London Design Show.
A German Pavilion is also planned for next year at Clerkenwell Design Week. In addition, as part of the federal government's foreign trade fair programme, the requested German joint stands were approved at four other trade fairs. The trade fair locations are spread over the United States, China, Japan and the United Arab Emirates. These regions are among the most important growth markets for the German furniture industry and have therefore been the focus of the industry's export activities for years. From an industry point of view, the inclusion of Orgatec Tokyo, which is organised by Koelnmesse in the Japanese capital, is particularly pleasing to the programme.
More information:
VDM
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