Top UK designers will meet their Asian markets at the GREAT Festival
The third of its kind, the GREAT Festival aims to boost trading links between the UK and Asian nations, with a focus on high-end design and craftsmanship.
Between the 21st – 24th March, the GREAT Festival of Innovation will take place in Hong Kong, with the aim of driving the future of free trade and building life-long partnerships. The Festival itself takes place during a historic moment for UK, Hong Kong, and the Asian economies at large. With a series of thought-provoking talks, master classes, installations and performances, the four day event is sure to be a hit.
Among the trend-setting homeware that will be on display at the GREAT Festival are pieces made by British designers. The UK’s reputation for creating beautiful designs, and using quality craftsmanship, will be at the forefront of the Festival. Leading UK designers and craftspeople will showcase their work across the four day event, which is hosted by the Department for International Trade to boost links between the UK and Asian nations.
Featured designers include Hong Kong-based British industrial furniture designer, Michael Young; his award winning work spans all furniture pieces, from chairs to watches, taps and beach buggies. Another designer, Robert Welch, is based in the Cotswolds and has been producing high-quality kitchenware since 1955. In fact, as a well-known name in British mid-century design, Robert Welch pioneered the use of stainless steel for mass-produced cutlery.
Visitors to the GREAT Festival will be able to see Anglepoise’s giant, floor-standing version of their famous Original 1227 desk lamp – which was specially commissioned in honour of the famed writer, Roald Dahl. The London-based designer, Alexandra Llewellyn, will also be showcasing her luxury backgammon boards and gaming tables. Handmade in the UK, they demonstrate the best in British craftsmanship.
Featuring a packed conference programme, the GREAT Festival of Innovation Hong Kong is the third festival of its kind, following successful events that have previously taken place in Istanbul and Shanghai. The GREAT Britain campaign, run by the Department for International Trade, hopes to present the UK as one of the best places to visit, study, invest in and do business.
The Festival itself also looks at the way innovation is shaking the way we “live, work, learn and play”. Now more than ever, the Festival suggests that “we must look to the future and work with partners who share our creative spirit. Collaboration will unlock new ideas, technologies, markets and opportunities”. Allowing a host of British companies to showcase their work, it seems that this is the perfect place to break down trade borders, allowing design to inspire everyone involved.
