The Makers' Market welcomed a number of design-led companies and makers in residence at The Royal Exchange. The event, which was created in partnership with the LDF team, included eight independent firms representing a wide range of goods and disciplines, including glassware, furniture, and textiles, as well as woven jewelry and leather items. In a specially built pop-up room on the mezzanine level of the great central courtyard, the businesses show and sell their distinctive, handcrafted items.
A carefully picked group of designers exhibit new work from a variety of creative fields. All of the goods were manufactured by hand in the UK, utilizing traditional craftsmanship skills and traditional materials such as fabrics, leather, ceramics, and wood, many of which were utilized in novel ways.
This year marks the 450th anniversary of the Royal Exchange, which was created by Sir Thomas Gresham as one of the world's earliest dedicated commercial hubs. It was formally inaugurated in 1571 by Queen Elizabeth I, who gave it a royal title and a license to trade wine and expensive commodities. The structure has a long history as a destination for handcrafted goods and high-end collectibles.
By offering a forum for today's pioneering makers, the Makers' Market honors the ability to combine conventional talents with imaginative thinking. Each exhibitor was chosen for their inventive use of traditional crafts and materials to produce one-of-a-kind items.
The goal was to create an annual event that would highlight London as the world's design center. The Royal Exchange community reflects the changes taking place in the City of London in terms of diversity, purpose, and equality through programs and activities that encourage and support innovation, charity, and thought leadership thanks to its prominent location in the heart of the City.
The Royal Exchange is a tremendously active location and a cultural powerhouse. It is a melting pot of ideas and personalities, being only a stone's throw away from many of London's finest creative firms and studios. As a result, they discovered a captive audience in the region with a great desire for design. This is what distinguishes the festival: aiming to reach out to as many people as possible, not just designers and design firms, in order to inspire more people in new ways.
