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01 Oct 2025
Polish Design Shines at Material Matters: Noti's Product Showcase and a Panel of Leading Designers Inspire UK Audiences
Polish Cultural Institute London

Polish design took centre stage in London as Material Matters hosted two landmark events: the debut UK showcase of Noti and a high-profile panel discussion featuring leading Polish design experts.  

With both activations presented as part of the UK/Poland Season 2025, manufacturer Noti's exhibition celebrated craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural dialogue through standout collections Vivido (by Marta Szostek and Matylda Halkowicz), Cactus and Ekori (both by Piotr Kuchciński). Meanwhile, the dynamic panel discussion, 'The Rise of Polish Design', brought together some of the most influential voices in the field.  

Chaired by Grant Gibson, co-founder of Material Matters, the panel featured artist Alicja Patanowska (creator of The Ripple Effect at the V&A), Alicja Prussakowska (co-founder of Formsophy and exhibiting at MINT Gallery), Aleksandra Szymanska (director of the Creative Industries Institute), and Timothy Shepherd (founder and MD at Shepherd&). The session attracted a full audience and sparked lively debate on material innovation, cultural identity, and the growing influence of Polish design on the international stage. 

Noti's showcase focused on its core values of manufacture, craftsmanship, and partnership. Three distinct micro-stories presented different technologies and materials, highlighting the rich narrative of Polish design and the brand's ethos of craftsmanship and sustainable innovation. A family business, Noti creates mindful objects that express identity across both living and working environments, supported by diverse technologies throughout each design journey. 

'Seeing so many visitors engage with our work in London has been truly inspiring' says Piotr Kuchciński, Art Director of Noti, 'The conversations sparked confirm that responsible design and craftsmanship resonate far beyond borders. We're proud to share the story of Polish design and to contribute to a wider cultural dialogue' 

'The response to Noti's UK debut has exceeded our expectations. The energy around Polish Design at Material Matters, from the exhibition floor to the panel discussion, shows just how much appetite there is for thoughtful, sustainable design. We're delighted to help bring these important Polish conversations to the UK', says Anka Simone, co-founder On&On Designs 

'Polish design is undergoing a transformation, blending tradition with innovation. Material Matters reflected this beautifully, showcasing how our designers' focus on sustainability, identity, and craftsmanship resonates globally. The UK/Poland Season 2025 celebrates the strength, resilience, and international relevance of our creative industries. Today, Poland's creative sector is thriving, and as the Creative Industries Institute, we're committed to expanding our global presence in art and design', says Aleksandra Szymańska, Director, Creative Industries Institute Poland.  

'Polish design has a unique ability to balance tradition with innovation and is increasingly resonating on the international stage. Combining material intelligence with a deep sense of cultural identity it's exciting to see this energy and perspective brought to London', says Timothy Shepherd, MD and Founder at Shepherd&. 

Material Matters Fair returned for its fourth edition during London Design Festival 2025. Where material intelligence meets cutting-edge design attracting over 6,000 visitors and more than 40 exhibitors to its bold new venue, Space House.  

'Polish design brings originality, craftsmanship, and a clever use of materials. At Material Matters, Polish design really captured people's imagination and sparked some great conversations around sustainability and cultural identity. I'm delighted to see Polish designers making such a strong impression on the international stage', says Grant Gibson, co-founder of Material Matters. 

Leading design promoters On&On Designs, experts in facilitating collaboration between designers, companies, cultural institutions, and international partners, produced and co-curated the installation in partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute as part of the UK/Poland Season 2025. The season aims to invigorate the UK-Poland cultural dialogue and showcase the innovation and talent of the Polish culture and design scene. The UK/Poland Season 2025 is co-organised by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, British Council and Polish Cultural Institute in London with support from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Poland. 

//ENDS// 

 

Press Pack LINK  | For press enquiries please contact Informare PR caroline@informare.co.uk 

 

NOTES 

 

Noti 

Since 2005, Noti has been shaping contemporary furniture as a family-owned brand devoted to design, not simply as a profession, but as a way of thinking and living. Craftsmanship is at the heart of everything Noti does: each material is carefully selected, and every piece is handcrafted with precision and care, reflecting Poland's design heritage. Collaboration with leading designers, both in Poland and all over the world, allows its experienced team, from seamstresses and upholsterers to carpenters and craftsmen, to transform ideas into furniture that is timeless, versatile, and of exceptional quality, embodying both human touch and enduring design values. https://www.noti.pl/en  

 

On & On Designs 

On & On Designs is a cultural studio and events curator that supports European creatives in entering and influencing the UK market, particularly in design, retail, interiors, and placemaking. On & On Designs advises on skilfully crafted products by European designers and represents selected designers and brands. They also facilitate collaboration between designers, companies, cultural institutions, and international partners.  www.onandondesigns.com 

 

Polish Cultural Institute in London  

The Institute focus lies in promoting Polish culture and heritage to the British audiences, as well as developing collaborations and building bridges between key cultural or academic institutions in Poland and the UK. Through nurturing these relationships, providing access to essential cultural resources and supporting through funding, PCI London can successfully showcase the best of Polish art, film, theatre, music, literature, science, and heritage to culturally diverse residents of the UK. 

Website www.instytutpolski.pl | Instagram @polish_culture  

 

Shepherd&  

Shepherd& is a visionary design studio, founded by four creatives. As translators of experience, Shepherd& fuses architecture, art, and narrative into meaningful spaces that reflect clients' aspirations.  From concept to execution, Shepherd& offers a meticulous, design-driven process rooted in collaboration and a deep respect for each client's individual identity, lifestyle, and goals.  With studios in London's Soho and Paris' iconic 16th Arrondissement, Shepherd& reflects the creative pulse of both cities, channelling inspired, transformative design. SHEPHERD& 

 

Material Matters 

The Material Matters Fair returns to the capital for its fourth edition, showcasing the latest in innovation, sustainable design, and material intelligence. Taking place during the London Design Festival 2025, this year's event moves to a bold new venue, Space House, one of the city's most iconic modernist buildings. Located in Central London, close to Holborn and Covent Garden, Space House provides a striking backdrop for over 40 carefully curated brands and emerging designers.     https://materialmatters.design/The-Fair  

 

The UK/Poland Season 2025  

The UK/Poland Season 2025 is a diverse programme of over 100 multi-artform events in 40 cities in both countries. The Season will invigorate the UK-Poland cultural dialogue in addressing global challenges and will open new opportunities for cultural leaders and the next generation of artists. 

List of events this Autumn as part of the UK/Poland Season 2025  

  • Elusive Sense, On the Fluid Boundaries of Perception, new media exhibition, art' otel London Hoxton Saturday 20 Sept 18:00—23:00 , open until 4 October 
  • 'Radical Hope' Exhibition of works from Collection II of the Galeria Arsenał, Białystok (Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast) 13.9 – 8.11.25  'Radical Hope.' 
  • Polish Photography in Belfast Exposed Gallery, Belfast International Arts Festival (Belfast Exposed Gallery, Belfast) 2.10 – 20.12.25 Belfast Exposed Gallery, 
  • Exhibition 'Świadomość planetarna. Ekosystemy troski / Planetary Consciousness. Ecosystems of Care' SODA, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester 31.10 – 28.11.25  

The UK/Poland Season 2025 is co-organised by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, British Council and Polish Cultural Institute in London. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Poland.