Fleet Street Quarter is proud to announce its official participation in this year’s London Design Festival 2025 as an official Design District partner, unveiling the first events in a programme that celebrates the area’s unique legacy and design culture, with more to be announced soon.
Marking a new moment for one of London’s most storied neighbourhoods, the Quarter’s debut will feature ‘Whispers’, an installation by acclaimed Polish designer Oskar Zieta, which celebrates cross-cultural collaboration and challenges us to rethink the future of our built environment through the use of his original design and technology.
As an official Design District, Fleet Street Quarter offers a unique lens through which to experience the intersection of heritage, innovation, and design. As Oskar Zieta does through his work, Fleet Street Quarter invites the public to explore how thoughtful design can shape the future of our cities. Once the historic heart of British journalism, the area’s legacy of storytelling and print craftsmanship runs through its streets and will be celebrated during this year’s festival. The programme is spearheaded by Fleet Street Quarter BID, the Business Improvement District driving the area’s transformation through placemaking, investment, and innovation.
What’s On
Monday 15th September
Design Walking Tour x David Harry The London Spy | Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm | Meet Location: Meet by the statue of Dr Johnson, situated at the rear of St Clement Danes church | Length: 90 mins
Discover the design stories woven through Fleet Street, from iconic typography and architecture to fashion, public sculpture, logos, churches, and the creative use of public space, brought to life through fascinating artefacts and little-known tales. Ticket link here.
Tuesday 16th September
Fleet Street Quarter x Mrs Londoner Walking Tour | 12:30pm – 13:30pm | Meet Location: Outside Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, 145 Fleet Street, EC4A | Ends: ‘Whispers’ sculpture, 60 Ludgate Hill, EC4M
Join City of London guide Sarah Williams-Robbins, aka Mrs Londoner, for a joyful exploration of Fleet Street’s design history, from secret alleys and Wren churches to the bold public art shaping its future. Ticket link here.
Wednesday 17th September
Triple threat: Calligraphy, Drawing and Painting with Gemma O’Brien | Doors: 18:15 pm | Talk: 19:00pm – 20:30pm | Location: St Bride Foundation
Join Gemma O’Brien, an internationally renowned designer and artist, for a talk tracing her creative journey. In this session she will delve into a behind the scenes look at her fascinating career from forging commercial lettering and designing large-scale murals to speaking on international stages – including exclusive live calligraphy and drawing demonstrations. Booking link here.
The St. Bride Foundation Print Workshop | Time: 16:00pm – 19:00pm | Location: St Bride Foundation
Experience part of Fleet Street Quarter’s Festival of Words and drop into the St Bride Foundation Print Workshop for the rare chance to explore the history of letterpress printing. Printers from Fleet Street’s newspaper heyday will guide you through the collections, historic presses and stories from the golden age of print. Ticket link here.
Thursday 18th September
Bella Gomez Stencil Workshop | 12:00pm – 2:00pm | Location: ‘Whispers’ sculpture, 60 Ludgate Hill, EC4M
Join Bella Gomez for a fun and accessible stencil workshop this summer, where you’ll create your own unique postcards inspired by the City’s architecture and geometric prints from the underground. Whether you’re on a break, between meetings, or just after something creative, this drop-in workshop is open to all and only takes 15 minutes. Learn how to use stencils and layering techniques to explore iconic design elements, and head home with a set of colourful postcards to keep or share. No experience needed – just bring your creativity. Free: no booking or ticket required.
From hidden courtyards to cutting-edge installations, the district’s Festival programme offers a fresh perspective on a neighbourhood in transformation, one rooted in creativity, civic pride and a rich design history, all within easy walking distance.
