Should you wish to see a snapshot of the work of our emerging designers, there’s no better place to be this week than Newcastle. The Northern Design Festival, at the Assembly House, is a chance to shop for contemporary furniture, ceramics, textiles and lighting by little-known (and often agreeably inexpensive) creatives.
Also starting on Wednesday at the Barbican, London EC2, is The World of Charles and Ray Eames, celebrating the work of two of the most famous designers of the 20th century.
The concurrence of the two shows sparks a couple of thoughts. First, I wonder which of our friends in the north will be seeing sales like the Eames’s in 60 years’ time. The latest John Lewis Retail Report reveals that sales of the Eames Lounge Armchair increased by 758% last year, despite its price tag (£4,482-£5,048). Second, isn’t the popularity of such an expensive seat an interesting economic indicator — and one that should reassure our young designers?
Top tip
If damp autumn weather hasn’t been kind to your leather handbag, here’s how to rescue it and keep it looking as good as new.
Advertisement
Just like our skin, leather needs a little TLC at this time of year. Keep your bag in top condition by wiping it down regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Once a month, put a dollop of leather cream on a soft cloth and rub it in gently. This will prevent wrinkles and flaking, and keep the leather supple and soft.
Leather will never be 100% waterproof — so it’s useless for autumnal British storms — but beeswax creams act as a barrier. Leather Master has a good range of cleaning products (leathermasteruk. com).
Between uses, store your bag in its original dust bag and stuff it with greaseproof paper. And don’t throw away any silica gel sachets — pop them in your bag to stop it getting damp. goodhousekeeping.co.uk/institute
Advertisement
Available next month, Beam is the latest pleated light from Lane, with a shade made up of paper fins that slot together like a concertina. The Colorplan paper is made in Cumbria and the lamp is finished in Nottingham. It comes in four colourways and costs £120; lanebypost.com
LUXE/LESS
Advertisement
Luxe
Sofa.com’s Sark armchair, shown in Sunshine matt velvet, is made in Poland.
£720; sofa.com
Less
The Bailey chair, from Sabichi, is made in Britain. It comes in six colours, including this yellow
£349; sabichi.co.uk
Advertisement
Artisans of Devizes has launched an encaustic collection, designed by Hamish Smith. The tiles are made from coloured cement, rather than printed with a pattern. The Lattice design comes in black, blue, green, red, grey and yellow.
£3 per 20cm square tile; artisansofdevizes.com