On the trail of the London Design Festival (18-26 September 2010)
You’ve visited the 26 Treasures exhibition at the V&A. But what to do next? The London Design Festival is so packed this year that it can all seem a bit overwhelming. So here’s the 26 Treasures guide to a few highlights of the festival. Share your suggestions and favourites on the comments.
At the V&A
Whilst you are at the V&A, take a look at some of the other events going on. Two at the top of our list are:
- Designer Maps – Michael Johnson has created maps showing the favourite spaces and objects of personalities from the worlds of art, literature, design and performance. Pick up a map and follow the trail…
- Framed – a striking installation on the grand staircase leading up to the V&A’s architecture galleries.
www.vam.ac.uk/activ_events/events/London_Design_Festival/index.htm
Serpentine Pavilion
Over in Hyde Park, in the same neck of the woods as the V&A, this year’s Serpentine Pavilion, designed by Jean Nouvel, is a feast of red – from the structure of the pavilion to the plants in the garden to the trays in the café. The structure really comes to life when struck by the afternoon light.
www.londondesignfestival.com/events/serpentine-gallery-pavilion-2010-designed-jean-nouvel
Things We Love
Artists and designers present hand made and bespoke work – from jewellery and fashion, to painting and photography. Will these be the 26 Treasures of the future?
www.londondesignfestival.com/events/thingswelovecouk
Paul Bouden at the Wapping Project
I stumbled across this last week – an installation by one of the world’s finest graphic designers in the splendour of the Wapping Project. If you have never been there, this is the perfect excuse to go. Time a visit for the evening, when it all becomes even more atmospheric with church candles dotted around the industrial interior, and maybe stay for a drink or dinner. Be sure to take a climb up to the roof terrace as well, to reflect on the lily pond.
http://www.londondesignfestival.com/events/must-dash-paul-bodens
What Women Make
Bringing together award-winning and emerging female artists and designers from around the world, curated by Chauncy Zalkin
http://www.londondesignfestival.com/events/what-women-make-women-design-1st-ed
Curiosity
Someone else who is in thrall to the lure of the treasure hunt? A kindred spirit for 26 Treasures surely, Catherine Hammberton has curated a pop-up shop showcasing 16 independent design talents.
http://www.londondesignfestival.com/events/curiosity
The Tramshed Live
This looks to be a new venue which is definitely on the must-see list. There’s the bonus of an exhibition which celebrates collective creativity, which of course is what we are all about at 26 Treasures. In addition, there is a fascinating series of talks under the banner ‘New Directions in Design’ if you want to listen as well as look.
http://www.londondesignfestival.com/news/tramshed-live
Hel Yes!
With all that creative excitement, you’ll need to eat – and maybe have a drink too. I am heading to Hel Yes, to get a taste of Finnish food in London. And you know it will look good as well, as they have partnered with Iitalla and Artek. Salmon with Rye Sauce and Greens? Hel Yes!
http://www.londondesignfestival.com/events/hel-yes
Anti-Design Festival
And if a design festival isn’t enough for you, there is an anti-design festival as well, complete with their own manifesto and headed up by graphic design legend Neville Brody.
http://www.londondesignfestival.com/events/anti-design-festival
