Making Sense: Designing in London

Navigating the space between handmade and industrial production, while exploring the complexities and nuances of designing, making and running a design studio in London. Curated by Mentsen and twentytwentyone, the exhibition brings together for the first time the works of Elliott Denny, Jones Neville, Michael Marriott, Ian McIntyre, Mentsen and Eleanor Pritchard, offering a unique collective perspective. Spotlighting pieces that may first appear unassuming but are carefully designed through deep consideration and with more to appreciate the longer you look at them. Could this be the key to longevity of an object? The show takes its name from the idiom ‘makes sense’. The two words reflect how each designer rationalises their objects, considering culture, economy and environment, as well as sense through the making process, which provides an intuitive understanding of function, form and materiality. The installation is structured as a series of interconnected areas of living, working and learning in which to reflect. Making Sense encourages a cross-pollination of ideas and aesthetics, creating a dialogue between the works of the different studios. The exhibition is accompanied by a limited-edition publication including a round-table discussion between the contributors and a library selected by Jasper Morrison. Making Sense will showcase a wider selection of each designer’s work, including some new and recent designs developed for the exhibition. Alongside self-produced pieces, there will be manufactured items by brands, highlighting the design approaches at various scales of production. Among the exhibits are ceramic architectural fittings by Elliott Denny, including extruded floor tiles and door handles. These are a direct result of experiments from his recent design residency at the Architectural Association. Ian McIntyre will present handmade ceramic jars and tableware with unique decorative glazes created and applied in his Hackney studio, contrasting his monochromic work for design brands Another Country and Monoware. Michael Marriott’s new modular shelving system for charity and social enterprise, Glasgow Wood, constructed in reclaimed and repurposed timber, will form part of the display alongside self-produced pieces and his Croquet shelving for VG&P. Studio-produced Douglas fir stools by Jones Neville were designed for the recently opened E5 Bakehouse at the V&A Storehouse in Stratford, making it a good example of independent local businesses collaborating with an established institution. Also in the exhibition, their 4-meter-long art shelving produced for The Wrong Shop will house photography by Valeia Armeni from her visits to each designer’s studio. Eleanor Pritchard will preview her new collaboration with Japanese company METROCS—a rug crafted from hemp and wood, alongside her self-produced UK-made collection of wool blankets and cushions. Mentsen‘s special edition Genie lounge chair celebrates a story of London-made. Created in collaboration by Walthamstow neighbours—furniture manufacturer VG&P and renowned craft denim maker Blackhorse Lane Atelier—this project stands as a compelling testament to the power of local craftsmanship. It's an encouraging example of how skills can be united to produce high-quality, commercially viable products in London. Other Mentsen designs from Zilio A&C and British company Hand & Eye complete the display. Visitors will be welcome to pause, read and interact with the designs. Selected exhibits will be available to purchase in-store and online via twentytwentyone.com