Member Article

UKTI to showcase top designers and artists

Top UK designers and artists have contributed to delivering a creative showcase that will host some of the most globally influential business leaders during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The British Business Embassy, developed by UKTI, will see over 3,000 UK and international business leaders from across the globe come together for a series of summits.

Taking place at the world-renowned Lancaster House, the Embassy will stage a host of world class speakers including Christine Lagarde, Eric Schmidt, Sir Jonathan Ive, Howard Stringer and Daniel Ek.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Green said: “Lancaster House is a unique venue that will showcase the very best of British capability to international companies - and demonstrate that the UK should be their first stop when looking to boost business.

18 rooms of Lancaster House have been curated to highlight the talents of British born, or British trained designers and manufacturers.

This was overseen by a creative panel, chaired by design leader and UKTI Business Ambassador Sir John Sorrell, alongside Diana Yakeley, President of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID).

Sir John Sorrell said: “The Games will ensure the eyes of the world are on London – the world’s creative hub.

“The British Business Embassy will provide an elegant and exciting environment in which international leaders will come to do business, whilst at the same time showcasing the breadth of our creative industries.”

Among the designers, artists and manufacturers loaning items and contributing to the Embassy is Lee Broom, judged Designer of the Year at the British Design Awards 2011.

The Lee Broom Gold Room will feature pieces from the designers most iconic collections, and reflect the country’s heritage.

Elsewhere, Jason Bruges has provided the installation ‘Mirror Mirror,’ while Heatherwick Studio will present the world’s first ever extruded piece of furniture, created in association with contemporary art gallery, Haunch of Venison.

Other designers and contributors include Paul Smith for Conran and the Rug Company, Barder Osgerby and Jasper Morrison for Vitra, Terence Conran for Conran, Dean Sutcliffe for Benchmark and Foster & Partners for Lumina.

Architects Waugh Thisleton have been commissioned to design and oversee the construction of a temporary Pavilion in the ground of Lancaster House.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .