The beginning of December doesn't just mean it's socially acceptable to start mentioning the C-word, it also heralds the East London Design Show, an annual event which brings together the best of the UK's independent product, interior and jewellery designers.
Set up in 1994 by glassmaker Della Tinsley and photographer Gideon Cleary, it is now the place to discover some of the best emerging talent the design world has to offer as well as showcasing products from established designer makers. And it happens to take place just three miles from my house, in the beautiful Shoreditch Town Hall, so I had no excuse not to tootle on down for a nosey.
Over one hundred exhibitors were at the show so there was plenty to digest over the weekend. Here's a round up of some of my favourites:
Ros is a London-based illustrator whose typographical prints and drawings depict quotes, lyrics or personal notes. SInce graduating from Brighton university Ros has built up a steady client base which boasts names such as Stella McCartney and Ford.
Predominantly black and white, her style is striking in it's simplicity and beautifully executed. My favourite is this quote by the great Willy Wonka.
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| 'Willy Wonka' print, £24 |
This cute stationery and gift site, founded by designer Rachel Le Mesurier, launched it's first range of design-led products in 2008. Stockists now include the V&A shop and the Saatchi Gallery shop. Inspired by the urban wildlife, Lollipop's designs feature many familiar city sights - squirrels on park benches, pigeons perched on a landmark and, my favourite, this pretty little sparrow - perfect for that last minute gift:
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| 'Bird' paperweight, £12.50 |
Takae Mizutani and Sons
Founded in 2007 by my former neighbour Takae Mizutani and her 'sons' (cats Mooks and Guiness), this range of ceramics and kitchenwares certainly fulfil their intention - to bring a smile to your face.
Drawing on childhood memories, Takae captures the a certain youthful naivety in her designs. Questions such as 'how many raindrops does it take to make a puddle?' are beautifully illustrated in the 'Hatena' range of tea towels (Hatena means 'question mark' in Japanese) which are handprinted by Takae on to Fair Trade 100% organic cotton.
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| 'Memories of Falmouth' salt and pepper shakers, £39.75 |
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| 'Sweet home snail' cake plate, £22.75 |