100% Forward

Curated by Barbara Chandler, design editor of Homes & Property at the London Evening Standard

100% Forward highlighted UK emerging design talents, each championed by an established designer who launched their career at 100% Design.

Says Barbara Chandler: “Since 100% Design started in 1995, our stellar UK designers have created a world-famous design industry, and continue to do so. But all industries need new talent. Who better to spot it than the successful design entrepreneurs who launched their careers in the ‘90s at 100% Design? Seven of them have each chosen an emerging UK designer. I have chosen an eighth and added a display of ceramics.

The creativity of these new designers embraces furniture, lighting, printed/woven textiles and ceramics…not to mention origami and illuminated wallpaper. Some designers have just graduated; others are already making their way. They will be given a platform at 100% Design to show their work and engage with visitors. Their stories will inform, intrigue, inspire and impress.”

The below portraits of nominating designers are by Barbara Chandler©. Meet the established designers that will took part and hear their stories on why 100% Design is such an important platform for the industry.

Simon Pengelly, Furniture Designer

Specialising in furniture and product design, Pengelly Design was founded by Simon Pengelly in 1993. The combination of his pragmatic approach to problem solving and his affinity with materials earned him recognition in his award-winning range of furniture.

In 1996, Pengelly presented at 100% Design where many of the pieces were taken on by British brands. He states:

“100% Design was unquestionably my launch pad, and led to commissions from many leading brands, who later introduced my products at the show - the likes of Isokon, Allermuir, Modus, Hitch Mylius and more.”

Simon Pengelly nominated Daniel Schofield

Michael Marriott, Furniture, product, exhibition designer and activist

Michael Marriott has been working as a designer since 1993. Trained as a furniture designer, he is known for making extremely well detailed and highly functional objects. Marriott runs an online shop called ‘WoodMetalPlastic’, which describes the main categories of materials that he uses to make his products.

Michael Marriott exhibited his work at 100% Design from 1995 – 1997, and with the TEN project 2006 - 2010. Marriott states:

“100% Design was an exciting platform for us all, and the show later supported the TEN project and its exploration of sustainable design.”

Michael Marriott nominated Dom Postlethwaite

Chris Eckersley, Furniture Designer

A successful and innovative furniture designer, Chris Eckersley began his career by setting up a design and make furniture workshop before becoming a freelance furniture designer. In 2010, Eckersley founded ‘Bodging Milano’, which developed into craft-based projects and productive collaborations with other designers.

Chris Eckersley exhibited at 100% Design in 1996-2002. He states:

"In the mid-1990s, there was a new design buzz in the air. Ian Rudge and 100% Design were a vital part of this. Later 100% became the springboard for the London Design Festival.”

Chris Eckersley nominated Majeda Clarke

Daniel Schofield

Daniel Schofield, Suber Stools

Dom Postlethwaite & Will Drye

Dom Postlethwaite & Will Drye, Crush Bent Trestle

Majeda Clarke

Majeda Clarke, Mill Woven

Philip Watts, Interior Designer and Designer Maker

The award winning interior designer founded Philip Watts Design (PWD) in 1993. PWD has successfully designed over 500 products, worked on over 100 interior projects and completed 150 unique tailored installations worldwide.

Philip Watts exhibited his work at 100% Design from 1995-2014. He states:

"I loved doing 100% Design. It forced us to create an annual new collection to present to the London/international design community, who expected us to be there.”

Philip Watts nominated Light up North

Ella Doran, Surface Print Designer

Ella Doran is an award-winning designer best known for being a pioneer of digital printing techniques. From the 1990s, Doran has been applying photography-based images and patterns onto household items, from wallpaper to cushions, creating vibrant and unique homeware designs. Twenty years on, she has expanded her work to include a wide variety of products such as cushions, coasters, blinds and much more.

Ella Doran exhibiting at 100% Design in 1997 – 2001 and in 2003. She states:

“In particular I loved it when I could test-drive my photo-printed products on the public days. Back then, too, I met many of the retailers who have been important to me.”

Ella Doran nominated Kyla McCallum

Jocelyn Warner, Wallpaper Designer

Jocelyn Warner is a wallpaper designer who is known for her eponymous East London-based design studio, which was founded in 1999. The company has achieved widespread recognition for its distinctive style and lavish patterns.

Jocelyn Warner exhibited her work at 100% Design from 1999 – 2009. Warner states:

“I was so thrilled to be selected for 100% Design. Visitors could not believe my large-scale designs really were wallpaper, and the show triggered a dramatic revival.”

Jocelyn Warner nominated Stoff Studios

Light up North

Light up North, neon wire sign art

Kyla McCallum

FOLDABILITY x NORTHERN, Fold pendant light

Stoff Studios

Stoff Studios, Bench No. 1 Plaster Pink

Samuel Chan, Furniture Designer

Samuel Chan is the designer and craftsman behind Channels, a furniture studio showroom in South West London. Having started his own company in 1995, Chan’s aim from the beginning was to establish Channels as a furniture company known for clean, contemporary design and excellent craftsmanship. This continues to be his motivation, and to date, his work has been recognized with twelve Design Guild Marks.

Samuel Chan has exhibited his work at 100% Design from 1995 – 2011. Chan states:

“100% Design was a banner for British design identity. We took a keen interest in each other’s work, and it was great platform for reaching press and trade.”

Samuel Chan nominated Moe Redish