London Design Biennale presented four Medals to the most outstanding contributions to the exhibition in 2021. The Medals, handmade by London-based jewellery partnership Shimell and Madden, celebrate cultural exchange and recognise the work and achievement of designers through four categories. Three Medals were awarded by the event’s International Jury, who also gave Germany a special commendation. One Medal was voted for by visitors to the exhibition. 

 

A joining of countries, territories and cities. Bridging cultures. Working together. These concepts are represented in the medals designed for London Design Biennale by Shimell and Madden.  

The medals master geometry and structural patterns, an assortment of brass spheres that are soldered, sanded, polished, engraved and lacquered. In essence, they are simultaneously futuristic yet ancient and timeless – a design made for all future London Design Biennales.

“We focus on hand fabrication, not casting the medals, but joining them,” says Emma Madden, Co-Founder of Shimell and Madden. Just like the work of each pavilion, the London-based studio’s organic process allows each medal to be different. The design sees a series of spherical brass balls soldered together, balancing and connecting to symbolise human collaboration. “We make the model and then see how it meets the concept,” says Luke Shimell of their process. 

See your reflection in the medals and recognise that like these spheres, as Madden says, “it’s not just you, it’s everybody. As an individual you make a greater difference on the whole.”