Read the interview by Darren Clanford of Material Source

Chatting to Ella Doran designer, photographer, and mark-maker.

Read the full interview at Material Source

Watch the conversation replay of 'What We Need Now'

Replay Ella Doran and jewellery designer Sian Evans as they discuss what we need as people and small businesses to survive and even thrive moving forward in this moment.

Moderated by Charlene C Lam, NYC-LDN content consultant and curator of The Creative Edit.

A conversation with East London designers Sian Evans and Ella Doran, with curator and creative business consultant Charlene C Lam of The Creative Edit. Part of the Shoreditch Design Triangle during London Design Festival 2020.

Redesign and Reuse: Ella Doran, Duncan Riches, Sophie Thomas, Urban Upholstery

Duncan Riches interviews Ella Doran, Andrea and Patrizia of Urban Upholstery, and Sophie Thomas about their new chair ‘Clean Up Plastic Camo’ launching during Shoreditch Design Triangle 2020. Discover the story behind the Chair and how they created a new fabric using the negative back-story of plastic pollution with a new message of re-use and hope.

This podcast was recorded live on Monday 14 September 2020.

‘Clean Up Plastic Camo Chair’ revealed at Solid Floor East

Ella Doran and Urban Upholstery join forces to showcase their stunning ‘Clean Up Plastic Camo chair’ viewable at Solid Floor East during Shoreditch Design Triangle 2020

Urban Upholstery and Ella Doran have celebrated the circular economy and material re-use and re-design by giving new life to old furniture for over 10 years.
The project started with an abandoned chair from the streets of Hackney. The chair was de-constructed back to its core frame and re-upholstered during Shoreditch Design Triangle 2018 live at The Old Bank Vault art gallery, alongside a group of school children from Shoreditch Park School.

Clean Up Plastic Camo chair Thames London.

7a Ezra Street,
London E2 7RH,
UK VIEW ON MAP

Mon - Fri 10 - 6 pm Sat 12 - 6 pm Sun 10 - 2 pm

The textile design was born from a further collaboration between Ella and Sophie Thomas.
The design depicts waste plastic collected by Sophie from beaches around the world. Together they created artful arrangements of these almost jewel-like pieces. Ella photographed them to then create the textile design, the nature of which is only revealed under close inspection.
The fabric tells the negative back-story of plastic pollution with a new message of re-use and hope.

Visit the showroom at Solid Floor during the festival to view the chair in all its splendour. The chair is available to buy as a unique one-off piece and we welcome further commissions, just get in touch.


There will be a podcast discussing the full story of the chair and the textile at 3pm on September 14th, featuring everyone involved, from Ella Doran and Sophie Thomas to Andrea and Patrizia of Urban Upholstery, as part of the Shoreditch Design Triangle podcast series.

from sheep to seat, fleece to floor at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

From Sheep to Seat, Fleece to Floor follows the journey of sheep wool, from shearing to scouring, design to spinning, to create an exhibition of beautiful bespoke furniture, furnishings and photographic prints, all of which are available to buy. An homage to local products, suppliers and processes, the exhibition highlights the importance of the circular economy in reducing waste and sustaining livelihoods and traditions.

Following a residency at the Park in 2016, which culminated in new product ranges for YSP Shop, Doran worked with the Park’s neighbouring farmer to amass wool from the sheep that reside in the Country Park. After scouring by Haworth Scouring, the wool was transformed by British manufacturers, Camira and Alternative Flooring, and features Doran’s Waterlake design, a distinctive and colourful pattern which mirrors the movement of the lakes and plant life at YSP. The exhibition is accompanied by a short film by Paul Wyatt.

Both British Wool and Campaign for Wool are our project sponsors, along side Camira Fabrics and Alternative Flooring, follow Ella’s journey on instagram @elladorandesigner, as she develops the work, and visit this website for updates and information for the exhibition opening 15th June 2019.

You can watch a short trailer here!

100% Forward - 100% Design September 19th -22nd

Curated by Barbara Chandler, design editor of Homes & Property at the London Evening Standard

Ella Doran is one of the established designers that forms part of 100% Forward at 100% Design, which will highlight UK emerging design talents, each championed by an established designer who launched their career at 100% Design.

Says Barbara Chandler: “Since 100% Design started in 1995, our stellar UK designers have created a world-famous design industry, and continue to do so. But all industries need new talent. Who better to spot it than the successful design entrepreneurs who launched their careers in the ‘90s at 100% Design? Seven of them have each chosen an emerging UK designer. I have chosen an eighth and added a display of ceramics.

The creativity of these new designers embraces furniture, lighting, printed/woven textiles and ceramics…not to mention origami and illuminated wallpaper. Some designers have just graduated; others are already making their way. They will be given a platform at 100% Design to show their work and engage with visitors. Their stories will inform, intrigue, inspire and impress.”

The portrait of Ella above was taken by Barbara Chandler©. you can see the rest of them here

Ella has nominated Kyla McCullum, of Foldability

Ella Doran says:

“I first met Kyla at Design Junction in 2013. I was struck by her display of folded and pleated papers, which seemed to echo in 3D form a similar source of inspiration to my own ‘Geo’ design. I have watched her develop and progress over the past few years, pushing the boundaries of her craft to great effect. 

Her hallmark is that wow factor.”

www.foldability.co.uk

Back to School with Ella Doran in collaboration with Urban Upholstery

Ella Doran and Urban Upholstery are joining forces for the London Design Festival 2018 with a collaborative, week-long events programme and exhibition to be held at The Old Bank Vault 283, Hackney Road, London, E2 8NA from Saturday 15th September – Sunday 23rd September 2018.

In celebration of the circular economy, along with material re-use and re-design, the ‘live’ installation will demonstrate how design, material use, value and sustainability are all intertwined. Ella Doran will re-design a reclaimed chair using her own fabric designs, whilst Urban Upholstery will provide expert skills and craftsmanship and will showcase their expert approach to sustainable furniture.

There will be a make your own cushion workshop as part of the event (see Eventbrite), live upholstery demonstrations and a chance for visitors to commission a new piece of furniture or bring in a piece for discussion and review. If you would like to attend the private view on the 18th September, in conjunction with Shoreditch Triangle 2018, please sign up for FREE via Eventbrite.If you would like to attend the live demonstration day please sign up for free here!

VIEW ON MAP

OPENING TIMES

15th September 2018 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

16th September 2018 10:30 am - 6:00 pm Make your own cushion workshop!

17th September 2018 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

18th September 2018 11:00 am - 9:00 pm 'Late Night' in conjunction with Shoreditch Triangle

19th September 2018 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

20th September 2018 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

21st September 2018 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

22nd September 2018 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

23rd September 2018 11:00 am - 4:30 pm

Second Sitters panel discussion. Upholster...

Hosted by design journalist Katie Treggiden the panel consisted of makers and industry professionals discussing the issues around design, upholstery, sustainability and the circular economy. Panel: Tim Cox, Ella Doran, Alex Law, Corrine Webb Location: The Geffrye Museum Date: Thursday 18 May 2017