Clerkenwheels will see two industry figures cycle from Plymouth to London with the aim of fundraising for United in Design
Clerkenwheels is the idea of interior designer, educator and podcaster, Jonathan Forster and creative director, Tom Bourne. The event will see the pair cycle their way from Plymouth University, where Jonathan is award leader, all the way to Clerkenwell, arriving for the start of CLerkenwell Design Week. The ride will raise funds for United in Design’s (UiD) Education and Outreach Programme. The programme aims to encourage young people from underrepresented communities and diverse socio-economic backgrounds into the industry through knowledge, experience and career planning
The Clerkenwheels ride will begin on Friday 15 May with the pair arriving at Clerkenwell Design Week for the first day of the festival, Tuesday 19 May, they are encouraging the industry to join the ride for the final day and would also be delighted for companies to get involved by supporting the adventure
Australian-Indonesian sustainable furniture brand Reddie is supporting Clerkenwheels by hosting the ride’s arrival celebration after five days and more than 260 miles in the saddle. Reddie’s new Goswell Road showroom, which is its first in Europe, will welcome Jonathan and Tom alongside United in Design supporters from across the industry
David Collins Studio is the ride’s official kit sponsor and luxury lighting and furniture brand Porta Romana’s Farnham workshop is the destination for day four of the adventure. Clerkenwheels is also officially supported by Clerkenwell Design Week
Jonathan and Tom say, “We’re thrilled to have all these great companies stepping in to help us achieve our goal of raising £10,000 for United in Design’s Education & Outreach Programme. Reddie, David Collins Studio and Porta Romana are all making a significant contribution to ensuring the success of our adventure and improving diversity within our industry. Having the backing of Clerkenwell Design Week gives us even more energy to make sure we get to London by Tuesday.”
Track Clerkenwheels progress on Instagram @clerkenwheels
(image shows: Sophie Ashby, Alex Dauley, Jonathan Forster and Tom Bourne)