HANDS is the UK's leading manufacturer of high quality office furniture. Our philosophy is to design and make contemporary and classic furniture using sustainable materials. Our installations always result in an enhancement of a company's image. We don't aspire to being the biggest, however we do believe in being the best. HANDS has been making furniture on the same site since 1906 and as a result of this we are theming our events at Clerkenwell Design Week on sustainable design and design education, as both will shape our future.

Tuesday 22^nd May

Two sessions – 11.30am and 2.30pm

 “A designer’s journey – The road from education to industry”

Joint presentation by                      Dr Lynn Jones – National School of Furniture

Langton Stead MA - Furniture Designer at Hands

                                                                        and the cast of this year’s MA students at the NSF.

Lynn and Langton will present their views and real experiences of how education and industry can work together resulting in benefits for the Student: both whilst learning and as a new employee, the employer: being inspired and being provided with fresh talent and the University being able to use real manufacturing, design facilities and materials as teaching aids.

The MA students will there on hand to show some of their work in models and to answer any questions.

Buffet lunch will be available from 12.30pm.

Wednesday 23^rd May

Two sessions – 11.30am and 2.30pm

“Veneering – an art in itself”

Joint presentation by:                     Dean Harper  -Manager -  Exotic Veneers

                                                                        Paul Reilly – CEO - Hands

Dean and Paul will present information on wood veneers, how to work with them and the relevance of specifying from sustainable sources. They will then oversee a workshop where participants will be able to get a chance to veneer their own design patterns as works of art from a wide selection of timbers. These will be subsequently taken back to the Hands factory where they will be pressed and polished and sent back to the showspace for collection on another day.

Buffet lunch will be available from 12.30pm.

Wednesday 23^rd May

PARTY NIGHT – Invitation only but applications welcome.

In association with our friends and supporters at Burmatex, Exotic Veneers, J& A Café, Screen Solutions and Vescom: HANDS will be hosting a Jazz Barbeque evening from 6pm. Admission will be by application or special VIP invitation only. Applications can be made to HANDS by popping into the Clerkenwell Showroom or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . With delicious top BBQ food provided by our famous neighbours J&A Café and sensational jazz sounds, this event was well oversubscribed last year so be quick to avoid disappointment.

Thursday 24^th May

Two sessions – 11.30am and 2.30pm

“Factors in the ergonomic design of an Olympic control room”

Presentation by:                                  Michael Twiss B.Sc., M.Inst Ergonomics & Human Factors, M.I.O.S.H. Consultant in Ergonomics, Safety & Health

Michael is one of the UK’s leading and well respected Ergonomists as well as being a fascinating and entertaining speaker. He will be presenting his experience of helping designers create best practice ergonomic solutions in Control Rooms and Offices. Not to be missed!

Buffet lunch will be available from 12.30pm.