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This Clerkenwell Design Week, visit our showroom to hear, touch, see and smell an immersive story about clay, canals, quarries, conflict and creativity

5th April 2022

We’re launching an exclusive new partnership this Clerkenwell Design Week. Brought to life in a sensory installation designed by Sczcepaniak Astridge.

Etruria marl clay has been quarried and fired in the Black Country for generations. The Ketley brickworks stand in the void left by the original quarry where they produce our Ketley Quarry tile. The colours have to be seen to be believed; a shimmering brindled blue akin to oil on water, a deep baked red, and a rich earthy brown. 

Come visit our showroom to experience the compelling tale of Ketley Brick.

“Sensory architecture speaks to the human in all of us, creating an experience which embraces our memories, imagines our future, and locates us right now in the place we want to be. Design to make us feel good.”

Nick Szczepaniak and Simon Astridge, Partners at Szczepaniak Astridge

Talks + events

We’re excited to host a series of talks and performances this Clerkenwell Design Week. Spaces are limited, so if you would like to come along to any of the below, please register your interest below and we’ll let you know if we have availability.

TUESDAY 24TH MAY

In conversation with award-winning designer Federica Biasi

One of Italy’s most exciting new designers, Federica Biasi already has an extensive list of awards and accolades to her name, including most recently being named Elle Decor’s ‘Young Designer of the Year’. Federica will be discussing her inspiration and design process, as well as her latest collection Wabi Sabi, a range inspired by the Japanese aesthetic of beauty in imperfection.

Time: 13:00 – 13:30

Sensory design with Szczepaniak Astridge

How can we shape spaces to create meaningful environments that connect to our senses? Join Nick Szczepaniak and Simon Astridge, founders of Szczepaniak Astridge, for a conversation on sensory architecture – a purposeful choreography of the relationship between people, materials, space, light and time. They will also be discussing the design process behind the installation in our showroom, designed to launch our partnership with Ketley Brick.  

Time: 18:30 – 19:30

Theremin performance with Charlie Draper

Charlie Draper is a specialist in the theremin – an instrument that plays with manipulation of electromagnetic fields. The result is a mesmerising and magical experience of otherworldly tones.  

Time: 20:00 – 22:00

THURSDAY 26TH MAY

The untold story of Ketley Brick

Etruria marl clay has been quarried and fired in the Black Country for 200 years to create the astonishing Staffordshire Blue, Brown and Red quarry tiles. Join us to hear the compelling tale of Ketley Brick, including how it was specified at the Barbican.

Time: 13:00 – 13:30

Leading with purpose: a force for good in the design industry

How can the design industry change how it operates to benefit all people, communities, and the planet? Join us for this panel talk to hear from the businesses, social enterprises and individuals within the industry who are changing the rules of the game and leading with purpose. The conversation will be chaired by Mike Stiff, Founder at Stiff + Trevillion.

Time: 18:30 – 19:30

FULLY BOOKED

Kyle Soo, Partnerships Manager at B Lab

With a background in social innovation, service design and criminal law, as well as a practice as a Lego Serious Play Facilitator, Kyle combines these experiences to support people and organisations in being forces for good.

Marie Carlisle, CEO of Goldfinger

With a love of the natural world, Marie became determined to end the waste that she saw around her. She has led the Goldfinger team since 2017 to become a respected social enterprise that has won the support of Hermès, John Lewis and Tom Dixon.

Kerry Lemon, Artist

Kerry Lemon is a site-specific artist who is driven by current scientific research to connect audiences to nature. She is also committed to sustainable practices and empowering womxn.

Deepak Parmar, Design Director at MCM

As Design Director and Creative Lead at MCM, a purpose driven design consultancy, Deepak has worked with leading global clients to shape positive and healthy work experiences for their employees. He also led MCM to becoming B Corp certified.

Sam Dent, Managing Director at House of Hackney

B Corp certified, House of Hackney is guided by three principles: creativity with purpose, integrity in their actions, and compassion for the planet and people. 

DJ Arveene

A music producer and DJ, Arveene has toured with and supported the likes of Liam Gallagher, Daft Punk and The Prodigy. Join us as we close out Clerkewell Design Week with an evening of immersive music, accompanied with cocktails and canapes by Migrateful.

Time: 20:00 – 23:30

FULLY BOOKED