Not long now until the Design Museum moves to its new home in Kensington, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to visit the beautiful white building in its current location. It’s just a 15 minute walk from London Bridge station, through the modern MoreLondon development, past City Hall and along the delightfully historic narrow but tall lanes of Shad Thames.
There were all sorts of activities happening outside. There were bubble makers and inflatable dice games – there were quite a few adults and kids taking part. The entrance fee to the Design Museum isn’t cheap - £11.95 for an adult but if you are into design you are likely to spend a fair bit of time here so it’s worth it.
We started by climbing the stairs to the second level (there is a lift available though). There were all manner of interesting items in the showcase area for new designers and “Designers in residence” including “Object identity parade”. There were plastic structures produced with 3D printers and ceramic Bable towers – both circular and angular. The colours were confectionary bright. There was also a touching display – with narratives - of Music Memory Boxes – to support those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
But the majority of this floor was taken up by a huge warehouse-like construction – “Extraordinary stories about ordinary things”. Within the packing boxes were all manner of design icons – the Sinclair C%, Philippe Stark toothbrushes and the first iMac. I spent a while admiring the various chairs and the anglepoise lamps – particularly liked the Dali-esque melted lamp called “No angle, no poise”. And then I spied a red Valentine portable typewriter (made by Olivetti) – I probably have one of these in my loft!
There was a small fashion area – which my textile loving companion got very excited about – there were designs by Chanel, Ungaro and Issey Miyake. The corporate identity area contained red telephone and post boxes and some interesting insights into the design of motorway signs and traffic signals.
On the next level down the theme was “The New Industrial Revolution – The Future is here” and featured the sorts of technology we might find in the factory of the future. There was an area demonstrating how bedroom-size 3D printers and 3D manufacturing technology might impact. If you are interested in the design of furniture or lighting you would find this a fascinating space. I spent a while learning about crowdsourcing – where designers engage consumers to finesse their designs ideas.
A feature on how Adidas football boots are made is likely to capture to attention of young chaps and football fans. I smiled as I noticed a table of design books for visitors to browse – there are some things that technology will never replace.
Back on the ground floor there is a large café area but we spent nearly all of our time browsing the shop. It’s like an extension of the displays on the upper floors. To think that you could own a small piece of design history for a couple of pounds - We were sorely tempted.
And then we emerged into the sunshine and enjoyed a fabulous walk along the river back to London Bridge.
http://designmuseum.org/
The London Design Festival is being held across the City on 14-22 September 2013
