At the London Design Festival, 10 designers have transformed the everyday hanging basket into striking works of art. This showcase, curated by the design gallery Slancha, is held at the Hackney studio of Awaykin and features a range of pieces, including laser-cut steel and melted polystyrene waste.
Transforming Traditions in the Exhibition
Slancha’s founders, Harvey Everson and Findlay MacDonald, set out to redefine the hanging basket—a common suspended planter—as collectible design objects. “We challenged 10 contemporary designers to explore variations of bracket, suspension, and vessel,” MacDonald explained. The brief led to a range of styles and materials, making this collection a unique experience.
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The event features pieces ranging from delicate and refined to those that defy conventional beauty. Among them is the Pyrofoam Planter by French designer Nicolas Zanoni—a wall-mounted creation featuring a melted and reshaped industrial polystyrene waste.
Historical Inspirations
London-based designer Coline Le Quenven presents Tri-diatreta, a piece marrying 3D printing with references to Roman and neo-Greek aesthetics. According to MacDonald, “It closely resembles traditional basket brackets but enriched with modern 3D-printed textures.” The project also highlights the use of historical styles in contemporary design.
Also notable, Romain Basile Petrot‘s design utilizes engraved aluminum plates featuring David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” lyrics. Meanwhile, Marc Sweeney repurposes a champagne bucket with a sleek stainless-steel chain, and Martha McGuinn from Jamps Studio cuts medieval and gothic motifs into metal forms. This diversity underscores the creative range presented in the exhibition.
Diving into artistic inspirations, Rik Oostenbroek’s journey in digital art emphasizes the vibrant collision of traditional and digital creative processes.
Bold Artistic Statements
Hanna Fastrich brings a brutalist flair with her piece, Red Hot, crafted from ceramic blocks with intense red glaze, which MacDonald describes as “textured like tree bark.” These bold choices add a dynamic element to the display.
Other designs include tubular aluminium works by Six Dots Design and ThisIsByron, as well as Sheyang Li‘s delicate creation featuring ash wood, stone, and ceramics. Studio All Ears adds a final touch with wooden vases held with dramatic hanging chains, further enhancing the showcase.
The installations are highlighted by stunning floral designs from Glasgow’s Studio Kumari, showcasing purple lilies and other vibrant flora, making this event a true celebration of nature and design.
Beyond the Exhibition
Slancha, identified as a dynamic force within London’s design scene by Dezeen, continues to innovate. After last year’s success with “The Car Boot Sale,” Slancha broadens its scope with an exhibition and curated pop-up at The Hoxton hotel. MacDonald emphasized their desire to present an entirely new experience this year.
The Hanging Baskets exhibition runs from 14 to 20 September at Awaykin, as part of the London Design Festival. For more global architecture and design events, visit Dezeen Events Guide.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Slancha’s exhibition about?
Slancha’s exhibition, part of the London Design Festival, showcases 10 designers transforming everyday hanging baskets into art. The event highlights striking works like laser-cut steel and melted polystyrene waste.
Who are the founders of Slancha?
The founders of Slancha are Harvey Everson and Findlay MacDonald. They curated the exhibition to redefine hanging baskets as collectible design objects.
Where and when is the exhibition held?
The Hanging Baskets exhibition runs from 14 to 20 September at Awaykin, as part of the London Design Festival. It is held at the Hackney studio of Awaykin.