Design enthusiasts will be invited to explore the values that tie Norwegian design brands together through a dedicated series of events under the umbrella of the “Inside Norway Design Trail” this September.

Six Norwegian manufacturers will illustrate not only what sets them apart from other modern design brands, but also from their often more high-profile Scandinavian compatriots. Amongst these values is a belief in innovation, a strong connection to the environment and an inherent dedication to equality.

Four of the brands are housed in the Chelsea Design Centre and will be participating in the hub’s annual Focus event with product launches and an industry expert talk. ​ Here, Jensen is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a new bed in their showroom where visitors are encouraged to lie down and test out their incredible cloud-like softness. Hadeland Glassverk the glass manufacturer has just moved into a high profile showroom space at the Centre. In addition to its glass lighting collections, the beautiful Hadeland Glassverk showroom is also home to displays of durable and natural stone countertops by Lundhs (celebrating 60 years in business) and classic Norwegian furniture pieces by Eikund.

On the other side of the city, as part of Bankside Design District, one of Scandinavia’s largest furniture manufacturers for areas where people meet, Fora Form will be exhibiting at the debut of Material Matters show at the Bargehouse on the South Bank. ​ Here too Norwegian aluminium manufacturer Hydro will be displaying its latest innovations and holding a series of talks as part of this exciting new design show which focuses on the materials that make up the world that surrounds us. ​

Inside Norway talks will take place at both Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour and at Material Matters. Head of Design at Snøhetta architects, Marius Myking will be joining some of the brands in a talk entitled Ecosystems of Design to help launch the show.

NORWEGIAN BRANDS AT DESIGN CENTRE, CHELSEA HARBOUR:

Lundhs

Lundhs Real Stone is a collection of natural stones, Larvikite and Anorthosite, from Norway. Crafted by nature millions of years ago, the exceptional stones combine unique aesthetics with excellent performance to create the ideal surface choice for demanding interior and exterior surfaces. Thanks to their high density and non-porosity the stones are resistant to heat, scratches, stains and water and will last for a lifetime.

Eikund

Eikund was established in 2016 as a manufacturer of classic Norwegian furniture from the 50s and 60s. The Fluffy lounge chair designed in 1954 by Fredrik A Kayser for instance combines art and function into one with Eikund employing a trained hairdresser to trim the Norwegian sheepskin on the chair.

Hadeland Glassverk

Established in 1762, Hadeland Glassverk produces the most exquisite handmade crystal glass lighting, stemware and art glass from their glassblowing studio, located by the edge of the Randsfjord near Oslo. With an infinite capacity for bespoke pieces, Hadeland Glassverk curates lighting for residential design requirements and contract projects alike.

Jensen

Jensen beds has its roots in charming Svelvik, by the Drammens fjord outside Oslo, where beds have been produced by the company since 1947. The brand, which celebrates its 75-year anniversary this year, will launch Jensen Premiere as part of its showcase. An excellent introduction to the Jensen sleep experience, the new bed provides all the essentials for a good night’s sleep – equipped with the Jensen® Original Zone System that gives our body precise support.

NORWEGIAN BRANDS AT MATERIAL MATTERS, BANKSIDE DESIGN DISTRICT:

Fora Form

Established in 1929 Fora Form is one of Scandinavia’s largest contract furniture manufacturers specializing in areas where people meet.The company facilitates interactions within the areas of: eating, working, breathing and experiencing. ​ Fora Form’s newest design is the Atrium Chair designed by the Norwegian design duo Anderssen & Voll.

Hydro

Hydro is an aluminium company with also a large renewable energy business. Hydro has operations all over the world, from mining operations in Brazil, to aluminium production in North America, Europe and the Middle East, to semi-finished manufacturing production through its aluminium extrusion business in Europe, China, North America, Brazil and the Middle East.

Hydro is a global company, rooted in Norway with more than 115 years of history of turning natural resources into products and solutions.

The Norwegian Design Industry, part of The Federation of Norwegian Industries, is the funding body behind the Inside Norway Design Trail. Ragnhild Grytten, Marketing Manager, says “We all have a responsibility to create a better world. Together we must cut emissions and consume responsibly. Using and discarding belongs to the past. We are shaped by rough nature and harsh weather. We cultivate community and equality, and believe that everyone should have access to the same benefits. With us, sustainable activity is in harmony with nature, itself the definition of the good life. For that reason, our products are meant to last. They are designed functionally, practically and stylishly. These are values increasingly in demand and therefore Norwegian design is becoming more apparent throughout the world.”

TALK:

New Nordic design: How Democracy, Nature and Sustainability are driving an exciting Norwegian design movement. ​

Tuesday 20th September, 5:45pm

Design Centre Chelsea Harbour – Hadeland Showroom (First floor, South Dome)

A sleep expert will also be on hand to provide one-on-one guidance to guests about how to achieve the best possible night’s sleep, naturally.

Hadeland Glassverk, Lundhs, Eikund and Jensen at:

FOCUS at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour Lots Road, London SW10 0XE

19th – 23rd September

Hydro and Fora Form at:

Material Matters

22nd – 25th September

Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, London SE1 9PH