In the vibrant heart of East London, a groundbreaking design gallery named Unit.d has emerged, challenging traditional notions of design accessibility. Founded by design writer and strategist Duncan Riches, Unit.d is dedicated to showcasing and selling well-crafted, everyday objects by talented UK-based designers at remarkably affordable prices, all under £30. This innovative approach seeks to bridge the gap between high-end design and everyday consumers, creating a dynamic space where good design is not only admired but also attainable.
Unit.d: Bringing Democratic Design to Haggerston
Just recently, on a quaint backstreet nestled behind Haggerston Overground station in East London, Unit.d opened its doors to an eager public. Its inaugural exhibition, aptly titled 'Wood Metal Plastic', featured an impressive array of works by celebrated designers, including Jasper Morrison and Michael Marriott. What truly distinguished this showcase was its unique premise: it presented not limited-edition collector's items, but practical, everyday objects, each available for immediate purchase at a price point below £30. This revolutionary concept is the brainchild of Duncan Riches, a seasoned design writer and strategist who has dedicated over 25 years to the design sector, currently holding the directorship of the Shoreditch Design Triangle. Riches observed a significant void in the market for platforms that support independent designers producing batch-produced work, a role previously filled by local design and lifestyle shops that have since dwindled due to various pressures. His vision for Unit.d is to cultivate an environment where design enthusiasts, regardless of their budget, can acquire beautifully designed pieces. For instance, Michael Marriott's versatile 'Monza' stainless-steel shelf bracket is priced at an accessible £12.50, while his 'Homer' wall-mounted brass bottle opener costs £30. Furthermore, Jasper Morrison's iconic 'Obi' keyring, originally conceived in 1992, is available in brass or stainless steel for a mere £20. The gallery, housed in a white-painted, garage-sized space with a distinctive roller-shutter frontage at the base of an old factory building, will host monthly exhibitions, each lasting one week and featuring new works by London and UK-based designers. These exhibitions will focus on items intended for daily use, produced in small to medium batches or larger production runs. Unit.d aims to elevate these everyday objects, presenting them within a gallery setting to highlight their inherent design value. A six-month exhibition schedule is already in place, showcasing new talent from designers such as Travel Things Museum (starting April 8), Andu Masebo (starting May 6), Mentsen (starting June 3), Alexandra Gerber (starting July 1), and Studio Mama (starting July 29). Each exhibition will commence with an evening event, followed by four days of public viewing. Riches intends for the gallery to serve as a vital community hub, fostering connections and facilitating the exchange of ideas among the diverse and talented individuals within the East London design scene. Products will be available for purchase both directly from the gallery and through an online store, which Riches envisions will eventually house a permanent collection of standout pieces from past exhibitions. This experimental venture, though its ultimate success remains to be seen, is driven by a passionate belief in the power of accessible design.
Unit.d's emergence marks a significant and refreshing shift in the design landscape. By democratizing access to thoughtfully designed objects, it not only empowers consumers to integrate quality design into their daily lives but also champions the invaluable contributions of independent designers. This initiative fosters a crucial dialogue about the true cost and intrinsic value of design, prompting a re-evaluation of how we perceive and consume creative works. It serves as a powerful reminder that exceptional design need not be exclusive, but rather, a shared experience that enriches everyone's world.