Stratum Marquetry at Future Icons Selects 2025: Our Journey to London Craft Week
In May 2025, we were honoured to exhibit at Future Icons Selects as part of London Craft Week, hosted in its beautiful new home at 83 Rivington Street, Shoreditch. This annual gathering of some of the UK’s finest contemporary makers is a true celebration of craft, and we were proud to bring our unique Modern Marquetry to the capital.
Preparing for the Big Smoke
When we received the official invitation, the studio was quickly filled with a renewed sense of purpose. With only weeks to go, we got to work refining and finishing our very best pieces—artworks, flooring panels, experimental turned forms, and a striking Modern Marquetry bench seat designed specifically for the show.
“Tell your family, tell your friends—Dan and Ravi are coming to the big smoke.”
With the car packed to the brim, we made our way to London, filled with anticipation and the usual flurry of logistics. But not before one final, grounding dip in the Cornish sea.
Installation, Nerves & Warm Welcomes
Install day is always a blend of excitement and nerves. But as soon as we arrived at the venue, we were met with warmth and support from the Future Icons curators and our fellow exhibitors. The sense of community and craft camaraderie was tangible.
We couldn’t have been happier with how our stand came together. The natural textures of reclaimed timber, the intricate inlays, and the contrast between fine detail and bold form all sat proudly under the spotlight.
“After meeting the curator and our show neighbours, we quickly felt comfortable. We’re both super happy with our stand and couldn’t wait for the Private View.”
A Week of Inspiration
From the Private View to the final day, the atmosphere was electric. We were surrounded by incredible work—from textiles and ceramics to contemporary furniture and jewellery—each piece telling a story of skill, purpose, and innovation.
It was a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with so many talented maker-artists, many of whom we now count as friends. The conversations, the laughter, the shared meals (shout out to Nababi Kitchen in Whitechapel!)—they reminded us why we do what we do.
Reflections from the Show
We brought with us a curated selection of pieces that represented our core mission: creating modern surfaces, furniture, and artwork using reclaimed and recycled materials. Visitors responded positively, especially to the intricate flooring and bold graphic forms of our furniture.
A particular highlight was seeing people’s reactions up close—the curiosity, the questions, the delight at discovering the level of detail that’s often lost on screen.
“Guaranteed fact: Our work looks better in person than on screens. But I have to say, this photo by @danweillphotography captures the intricacy pretty darn good.”
And yes—there were a few hilarious moments too, like the now-iconic “terrible pose” photo, which we’re still chuckling about.
Thank You
A huge thank you to the curators at Future Icons, all the visitors who came to see us, and the incredible community of makers we met. This show reminded us that Modern Marquetry has a place not just in private homes and galleries, but in the wider conversation around sustainable and purpose-driven design.
We’ll be sharing more detailed photos of the individual works from the show over the coming weeks—stay tuned.
If you'd like to know more about any of the pieces shown, discuss commissions, or hear about our upcoming community workshops here in Cornwall, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Dan & Ravi
Stratum Marquetry
