Connected exhibition at DCCH opens

The Connected exhibition of contemporary furniture, showcasing the work of nine of the world’s most exciting designers, will open at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, Europe’s premier design destination, from 7 December 2020.

The Connected exhibition explores how designers and makers adapted their working practices during lockdown to bring sustainable timbers to life.

An impressive rollcall of international names participated in the project including Heatherwick Studio (UK), Jaime Hayon (Spain), Ini Archibong (Switzerland), Sabine Marcelis (Netherlands), Maria Bruun (Denmark), Sebastian Herkner (Germany), Maria Jeglinska- Adamczewska (Poland), Studiopepe (Italy) and Studio Swine (UK / Japan).

The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Benchmark Furniture and the Design Museum challenged them to create pieces for their personal use, to suit their new ways of living and working from home.

Originally launched in September at the Design Museum, the Connected exhibition has been enhanced for visitors to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Top designers, architects, collectors and design enthusiasts can view a new documentary that takes the viewer on a journey through the entire process, from the designers’ workshops, through the American forests, and into the Design Museum.

The Connected project presents three beautiful and underused timbers – American red oak, cherry and maple. They grow abundantly and make up 30% of the American hardwood forest and all contribute to its diversity and sustainability. With heat treatments and a variety of finishes, they are shown to be hugely versatile.

Claire German, managing director of Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour says: “We support creative expression across the design agenda, and we’re delighted to host Connected featuring original work by leading designers and makers with AHEC and Benchmark. Bursting with new perspectives, these collaborative partnerships during lockdown have resulted in extraordinary designs of enduring beauty and quality. Meticulous care, craftsmanship and respect for wood as a sustainable material has never been more relevant in our fast-paced world.”