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Whilst we certainly don’t expect our humble beginnings to be chronicled in the history books of Clerkenwell, so much has changed in the past 30 years, we thought it may be an opportune time to revisit Clerkenwell’s rich and eclectic history in a series of posts over the coming weeks.
Clerkenwell History - The Creative Heartbeat of London
If you want to find the world’s most dense concentration of architectural talent and interior design, you don’t head to a sterile office park or a skyscraper—you head to the historic, cobblestone streets of Clerkenwell.
Located in London’s EC1 district, this neighbourhood is more than just a postcode; it is a global engine for the creative industries. With more creative businesses per square mile than anywhere else on earth, Clerkenwell is where the future of our built environment is being drawn, modeled, and built.
The Hub of Global Architecture
Walking through Clerkenwell feels like a "who’s who" of the design world. The area is home to industry titans like Zaha Hadid Architects and Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), alongside innovative studios such as Apt, Architecture for London, and Patalab.
These firms don’t just work here; they are part of a local ecosystem that includes permanent showrooms for the world’s most iconic furniture and lighting brands. Names like Vitra, Herman Miller, Muuto, HAY, and Moroso line the streets, making the area a year-round destination for specifiers and design lovers alike.
The Main Event: Clerkenwell Design Week 2026
While the creativity here hums 365 days a year, it reaches a fever pitch during Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW). Mark your calendars: the 15th-anniversary edition is set to take over the district from 19–21 May 2026.
CDW isn't a typical trade show—it’s a neighbourhood-wide takeover. The festival transforms unexpected historic spaces into cutting-edge galleries:
The House of Detention: A subterranean Victorian prison that becomes an atmospheric backdrop for international lighting design.
The Order of St John: A medieval gatehouse hosting curated exhibitions of luxury interiors.
Old Sessions House: The grand "festival hub" on Clerkenwell Green, serving as the nerve centre for talks and networking.
Why It Matters
What makes Clerkenwell unique is the blend of the old and the new. You’ll find 18th-century warehouses repurposed as sleek open-plan studios, and ultra-modern "Design Interventions" (large-scale public art installations) nestled next to ancient city walls.
Whether you’re attending the Conversations at Clerkenwell talk series to hear from industry leaders or simply exploring the 160+ partner showrooms, the energy is infectious.
Plan Your Visit
The best part? Entry to Clerkenwell Design Week is free, though you’ll need to register for a badge to access the official venues.
If you're coming for the festival or just a design-inspired day trip, start your journey at Farringdon Station. From there, the district’s best showrooms and studios are all within a short, inspiration-filled walk.
