Design Museum open exhibition of permanent collection

The Design Museum  has opened a new exhibition containing some of its permanent collection.

Extraordinary Stories about Ordinary Things will be on display on the top floor of the current home of the Design Museum, broken up into six themes or "stories". 

The 'Identity & Design' story features items that contribute to national identity such as the K2 Phone Box by Giles Gilbert Scott, UK road signage by Jock Kinneir and Margaret Calvert, and the London 2012 logo by Wolff Olins.

The 'Taste' story charts the influence of modenism on British design and includes pieces by Marcel Breuer and Erno Goldfinger.

'Why We Collect' features recycled designs from Jasper Morrison's table made of bicycle handlebars to the Campana Brothers' Cartoon Chair made of soft toys.

'Materials & Process' charts the development of plastic technology.

Whilst 'Icons' follows iterations of the Anglepoise Lamp.

'Finally Fashion' focuses trends from the 1960's to the 1990's.

The exhibition was designed by Gitta Gschwendter and consists of the objects being displayed on rough, chunky shelving alongside contextual images and documents. It will run until the museum moves to its new home next year in the former Commonwealth Institute building in South West London, which is currently being redeveloped by John Pawson.

Faces of British Architecture exhibition

To celebrate British architects and engineers, Icopal has commissioned a series of portraits by Timothy Soar, with commentary by Isabel Allen. The series represents the UK’s leading experts, innovators and visionaries in architecture and engineering, responsible for many iconic buildings and landmark developments. The exhibition, curated by Lorna Soar, can be seen at The Building Centre in January and February 2012.

THE BUILDING CENTRE - LONDON 9th January - 29th February 2012

Image courtesy of Faces of British Architecture

British Council opens fashion exhibition in Kazakhstan

The first venue for the British Council's touring exhibition, Reconstruction: Cultural Heritage and the Making of Contemporary Fashion is the Central State Museum in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The exhibition features seven of the UK's leading fashion designers and offers a snapshot of some of the traditions and cultures that inspire these designers.

The British Council says, 'The launch kicked off with a packed press conference attended by Kazakhstan’s leading TV Channels and newspaper titles followed by the official opening by the British Ambassador and the Director of Central State Museum. 600 people attended the opening to see the work of seven of the UK’s leading fashion designers: Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Hussein Chalayan, Marios Schwab, Peter Jensen, Sophia Kokosalaki and Osman Yousefzada.'

Read more here

Designjuction Brings British Design at Milan's Furniture Fair 2011

For Milan's coming Furniture Fair 2011, Designjuction has planned a new exhibition showcasting the very best of British design. From lighting installations to a pop-up shop, the displays will take over the entire ground floor of the Zegna showroom in the famous Zona Tortona design district. Art director Michael Sodeau (who also designed the Anything stationary collection, picture) is bringing together products from exclusive brands including Modus, Innermost, Benchmark and Anglepoise.
Don't miss the launch party next Wednesday 13th April. Exhibition runs 11-17 April 2011.
Click here to read more on Icon Magazine.
Image © Michael Sodeau Partnership