Design visionary Alex Tieghi-Walker reveals his blueprint for Brompton Design District in 2025
Alex Tieghi-Walker has been appointed as the curator for the 2025 Brompton Design District programme during the London Design Festival. His focus for the event will be on creating a softer, more welcoming world of design, with the theme "A Softer World" at the heart of the programme.
Tieghi-Walker, the owner of the New York gallery TIWA Select, is known for breaking down barriers between gallery and home to bring people in. His approach for the Brompton Design District will be no different. He plans to use residential and non-traditional spaces such as old apartments, houses, and stores to create design experiences that feel familiar and generous. This approach aims to break down the traditional white-box gallery barrier, making the district feel more open and accessible, thus inviting a broader audience and supporting young curators who might otherwise be excluded due to financial constraints.
The Brompton Design District will run from 13-21 September 2025. Tieghi-Walker's goal is to expand the cultural range of the district and offer entry points into design for a diverse audience. To achieve this, he has invited various curators, such as Rooms Studio, Charlotte Taylor, Tione Trice, and others, to take over different spaces within the district. These curators will bring unique cultural touchpoints, helping to expand the district's cultural range and cater to a diverse audience.
Tieghi-Walker views his role as curator as inviting others to speak their truth and share their version of design in the world. His curation aims to be inclusive, open, and welcoming, encouraging a sense of "nosiness" similar to what people experience in events like Open House London, where they get to see inside spaces usually off-limits.
In his curatorial voice, Tieghi-Walker emphasizes materials and craftsmanship, viewing them as interconnected with a sense of softness, gentleness, and domesticity. He hopes to show that design can be something very different from what people might expect, by bringing a community-focused, ethical, and sustainable perspective to the Brompton Design District.
The Brompton Design District programme under Tieghi-Walker's leadership will feature exhibitions and interventions aimed at bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy. For more information and the full programme, visit bromptondesigndistrict.com.
Tieghi-Walker's appointment follows the departure of Jane Withers, who held the position for 18 years. He plans to build on Withers' legacy by inviting new voices, softer sensibilities, and unconventional formats, ensuring that the Brompton Design District continues to thrive and evolve.
[1] https://www.designboom.com/architecture/brompton-design-district-london-design-festival-2025-alex-tieghi-walker/ [3] https://www.dezeen.com/2023/02/16/alex-tieghi-walker-to-curate-brompton-design-district-for-london-design-festival-2025/
- Alex Tieghi-Walker's curation for the Brompton Design District, themed around "A Softer World," will extend beyond traditional gallery spaces to incorporate residential and non-traditional locations, creating a welcoming environment that invites a diverse audience and fosters collaboration with young curators.
- To expand the cultural range of the Brompton Design District, Tieghi-Walker has invited a variety of curators, such as Rooms Studio, Charlotte Taylor, and Tione Trice, to showcase their unique cultural touchpoints and cater to a broad audience.
- By inviting others to share their vision of design, Tieghi-Walker aims to create an inclusive, open, and community-focused Brompton Design District that emphasizes materials, craftsmanship, and sustainability, offering fresh perspectives and renewed energy.
- In his role as curator, Tieghi-Walker plans to build on the 18-year legacy of Jane Withers, inviting new voices, softening sensibilities, and exploring unconventional formats to ensure the Brompton Design District continues to evolve and thrive.
