What's on the radar for design in September...
The summer is (sadly) coming to its final stretch but to cheer us up there is a full roster of events that will be propping up our calendars in September. It’s a busy month so to ensure we don’t miss our chance to register / bid / visit or bag a spot below are five key events that we should make a space for in the design calendar - some of which require advance registration:
The National Portrait Gallery Shop is host to a range of collectible ranges including this one by LSA which takes its inspiration from Polish historic textiles.
Craft in Focus at Hever Castle - 18-21 September: A highly regarded contemporary craft fair which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year - a stunning host Hever Castle and its gardens the childhood home of Anne Boleyn has a 100 year old yew maze. British makers offer a range of media - ceramics, woodwork, glass, textiles and furniture. Commissions are the lifeblood of the makers and it’s the perfect to add bespoke elements to a scheme and support British craft.
London Design Festival - 13-21 September: Alex Tieghi-Walker, the New York Gallerist has unveiled his plans for Brompton Design District as the new curator for the area. He steps into the role following the venerable Jane Withers, who shaped and defined the district over her 18-year tenure. Tieghi-Walker – whose New York gallery, TIWA Select, has become a pilgrimage site for design collectors and appreciators – has forged a distinct curatorial voice rooted in material-led, emotionally resonant craft and design. This September, his programme of exhibitions and interventions promises to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the district. Tieghi-Walker will invite new voices, softer sensibilities, and unconventional formats - the thinking behind this year’s theme, ‘A Softer World’. The Conran Shop will host a range of artists, collaborations and exhibitions such as Arjan Van Dal at its Sloane Square store - not to be missed.
Focus/25 at Chelsea Harbour - 15-18 September : A fall staple with tickets for talks that need to be reserved and fill up fast - Retrouvious founder, Maria Speak will be signing copies of her new book - Retrouvious Contemporary Salvage: Designing Homes from a Philosophy of Re-Use, following her talk on sustainability with Emily Tobin, the World of Interiors Editor.
Paris Design Week - 5-14 September: A short hop on the Eurostar, Paris Design Week the growing fringe event in the city outside of Maison & Objet will host brands from around the world showing their Spring Summer collections for 2026. Lalique will show its new collections at Rue de Louvre Paris and at the Hôtel de la Marine, Jérémy Pradier-Jeauneau will take over the Cour d’Honneur (main courtyard). The mysterious Colonne de Juillet (July Column) at Place de la Bastille will also open its doors on this exceptional occasion to galerie maison parisienne.
Crafts Alive at Rodmarton Manor: 10-14 September: Themed ‘Flowers and the Maker’ the house and gardens of the Cotswolds Manor will be transformed by the Gloucestershire Guild with guest exhibitors, daily talks, workshops and demonstrations. From John Crossley furniture to Susan Early woven willow and ceramics by Annie Hewett, you are advised to book early for entry to the house as there is an hourly cap on visitors.
The National Portrait Gallery Shop for September and Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World will run from 9 October to 11 January 2026 and is not to be missed. Cecil Beaton - the King of Vogue ‘ was an extraordinary force in the British and American creative scenes - Fashionable World is the first exhibition dedicated solely to Beaton’s ground-breaking contributions to fashion and portrait photography. Expect collaborations, beautiful collectible ranges in the shop with small batch makers and Cecil Beaton inspired seasonal collections that span fashion, interiors, art, design and fragrance.