The Mumbai Index Exhibition

Yesterday saw the National Design Academy’s very first visit to India where Director of Quality and Business; Helen Keighley, was exhibiting at the Index Convention in Mumbai. Below we hear how the first day at the exhibition went.

NDA ventured a little further afield this month after success in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, with our first appearance at the Mumbai Index Interior Show. Essentially a furniture show, NDA had a fantastic position on the main walkway and there was lots of interest in our courses.

Index is an eclectic mix of traditional furniture and modern designs, some of which reflect developments in the western market. There was a strong focus on ironmongery so door handles were plentiful! There were also a number of ultra modern kitchen layouts and there would have been interest in a kitchen design module if we had offered it. Perhaps reflecting the culture, there were a number of stands offering art work and sculptures which were quite stunning.

The British contingent was small but perfectly formed in the shape of NDA, Alfy Kelly, The British Contract Flooring Association and Muraspec., all occupying great positions near the entrance. Alfy Kelly had some great lighting ideas on the next stand. Initially being inspired by the concept of providing a wedding lamp where guests designed or signed individual petals of the lamp, Alfy progressed to design exhibitions and has been well received in Mumbai. All the petals on his lamps are laser cut from different forms of plastic and can produce a range of effects. Muraspec are at the other end of the corporate spectrum producing wall coverings for predominantly corporate and hotel usage.

There has been great camaraderie within the UK team and we have enjoyed the first  day of the show.”