The Future is Analogue

This year at BDF – in keeping with our annual theme ‘change’ – we’re changing things up in some big ways… new venues, new faces, and new design districts! You’ll now have three places to spend your time: Graphic, Digital, and new for 2026, Analogue.

So what better way to celebrate than with a group of awesome analogue talents – who all have a focus on the hand-made, hand-finished and hand-crafted…

Chris Day, Britain’s only black glassblower, or certainly the only one the artist is aware of. A former plumber, Chris combines materials used in heating & electrical systems into his contemporary creations, intended to investigate the treatment of black people in Britain & the USA.

Hailing from Vietnam, Alice Cao specialises in traditional hand-drawn illustration. Dip pens are her weapons and ink is her poison. Prepare to have your mind blown by the intricacy and beauty of her work!

Rich Wells is an artist, designer and illustrator based in Sheffield. He loves exploring the world with a camera, making collages and telling stories. He’s one of the founders of Printed By Us, a social enterprise that works with homeless and vulnerable people on their journey to recovery.

A design-researcher and creative facilitator, Sarah King believes creativity can be the catalyst for positive change in response to current environmental, social and economic challenges. Her practice incorporates circular design principles and bio-fabrication processes to create new material alternatives.

Expect the usual warm welcome, the BD Shop, Food & Drink, Sponsor stalls, plus some surprises… Join us to celebrate – the future is analogue!