The Abney Effect: London Design Festival & Open House Festival

We are delighted to share details of our latest showcase, ‘The Abney Effect’, taking place during London Design Week and Open House Festival from 16th-22nd September 2024.

‘The Abney Effect’ explores materials harvested from trees and their ecosystems. Inspired by the Victorian Age of Enlightenment, the exhibition acts as a modern cabinet of curiosity, delving into the potential of tree-derived materials, including oils, waxes, resins, and dyes.

The Potential of Tree-Derived Materials

Our exhibition features works by eight established and emerging designers, highlighting the transformative power of sustainably sourced tree materials, collected without felling any trees.

Highlights will include material samples, innovative lighting made from pine resin, fashion accessories such as nut buttons, ceramic glazes derived from wood ash, and wax crayons crafted from various wood species. Visitors can participate in workshops, live demonstrations and talks, and view WAX Atelier’s aromatic wax collections made entirely from the orange tree’s flower, leaves, fruit and bark.

We invite you to join us for this distinctive celebration of nature’s resources and creative design.

Exhibitor Lineup

Arjan Van Dal (Netherlands) Jacob Marks (UK) Kilomet 109 (Vietnam) Studio Playfool (Japan / UK) CQ Studio (N. Ireland) Jamie Quade (UK) Lola Lely Studio (UK) WAX Atelier (UK / France)

The Abney Effect is co-curated by WAX Atelier and Company, Place,  supported by the British Council, Hackney Council, Abney Park Trust, and Priestlands Birch drinks.