Hornchurch furniture creator joins top table at London Design Festival
Ben with one of his furniture designs - Credit: Archant
An innovative Hornchurch designer has been chosen to showcase his work at one of the world’s top design events.
Ben Perkins, a graduate of University of the Arts London, is one of 16 new designers selected for its UAL Now programme at London Design Festival.
He was plucked from a pool of 5,000 after his work was spotted at the university’s summer shows, where it was viewed by crowds of 50,000.
Ben, 22, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in 3D Design from Camberwell College of Arts – one of the university’s six schools – has created Perki Furniture, described as furniture with a twist.
Despite being made from white American ash wood, his pieces are collapsible and lightweight, meaning they can pack flat in no time and be moved from place to place around the house.
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The former pupil of Abbs Cross Academy, Abbs Cross Lane, Hornchurch, said he was very proud of his achievement, and hopes to carve out a successful career.
“I was surprised,” said Ben. “I’m very grateful, it’s a dream come true to showcase my work at the biggest design event in the world.
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“It’ll help me speak to industry experts in art and design and hopefully will be a stepping stone to perform at Milan and New York next year.”
His designs also have a charitable and environmental benefit - the materials are sustainable and recyclable and Ben has signed up to the World Wildlife Fund Forest Campaign. The scheme is designed for public and private sectors to donate money to help cut deforestation down to a minimum.
Ben donates 5per cent of sales of each Perki Furniture design to the WWF Forest Campaign.
