Review: BCFA OPEN Spring Design

This week The BCFA sprang into action and opened its doors for the first ever BCFA OPEN Spring design exhibition in London. The ‘blooming’ marvellous event was held at The Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, an industrial space that provided a wonderful blank canvas for BCFA members to fill with the latest and best in contract interior products.With a variety of commercial interior products, covering the full range of contract sectors including Hospitality, Office, Healthcare and Education the BCFA OPEN was established to showcase a specially curated selection from the top contract suppliers creating a different experience than any other show for the audience of designers, specifiers and buyers!

As the doors flew open on Tuesday, there was an immediate buzz and excitement that filled the aisles. This intimate show gave the opportunity for visitors to really see, touch and explore the products and the BCFA members were as approachable and friendly as ever as they hosted their stands.Our keynote speaker Wayne Hemingway, kicked of the ‘Creativity Reviewed’ seminar with an inspirational and honest talk. He spoke of his creative journey, discussing how he got to where he is today and covered topics of sustainability and the difference of lifestyle for creatives now compared to his inspired, resourceful early life. He was then joined on stage by some of the biggest names in design (Gensler, Forpeople, Foster+Partners, Map Project Office) who gave a stimulating discussion covering the core topic of creativity and its effect on their business and industry.The first day ended with a chance to grab a drink with everyone at the exclusively crafted bar, made by BCFA member Global Upholstery. The beautifully crafted pieces were certainly a talking point, and were made in a variety of different materials and colours kindly provided by Malone fabrics.

Wednesday continued to be an inspiring day, with Chris & Suzanne hosting The Patternistas Creative Pattern Workshops that were available to attend throughout the day. This gave an opportunity for visitors to get their hands dirty and get creative. Chris and Suzanne gave a delightful talk about their recent projects and how pattern making works, followed by the chance for the audience to make their own! Thank you to Morgan Furniture for kindly donating Lucca stools for everyone to sit on.The BCFA awarded best stand to Roca, who’s innovative bathroom products were beautifully displayed within a framed stand with glass panels and spring colours used to enhance their products. Congratulations!

Overall, the show was a great success with an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm and has established itself to be the go-to show for designers within the contract industry.Make sure to put the next BCFA OPEN show in your calendar so not to miss out! The BCFA will be hosting their first ever Dublin BCFA OPEN on Wednesday 14^th June at the Guinness Storehouse and the second BCFA OPEN Manchester will be at the Museum of Science and Industry on Wednesday 4^th– 5^th October.