Magic mushrooms: Rurban theme done to a Tee

London – Rurban was the theme on Friday evening as The Future Laboratory played host at the launch of Studio Toogood’s Super Natural exhibition for London Design Festival.

Held at The Garage in the Brompton design district, the night was a feast for the senses, and was inspired by gathering and foraging in the countryside. On arrival, guests came upon a long table filled with a variety of mushrooms, curated by Mrs Tee the forager. A magnifying glass positioned next to each musty fungus helped guests to pick out the details. Mushroom varieties included the flat Chicken of the Woods, round sponge-like Sparissis Crispa and Beefsteak, which could be mistaken for a piece of raw red meat.

Then guests entered the main room, which had been decorated with a wall of vintage binocular cases. A fragrance created especially by Parisian perfumer Francis Kurkdjian filled the room with an appropriately earthy scent. Guests tucked into nibbles made from wild ingredients prepared by architect studio Arabeschi di Latte and cheese specialist La Fromagerie at the temporary Bramble Café. Nettle, mint and lime Spritzers and Camomile Fizz cocktails accompanied the food, courtesy of Absolut.

In the middle of the room was the centrepiece, Studio Toogood’s first furniture line called Assemblage 1. The range on display included wooden stools built by English craftsmen, and a series of brass and stone ornate handles – the ideal accessories for today’s Rurbanites.

LS:N Global will report on key exhibitions and shows from London Design Festival throughout this week.