Design Museum

Head of Invention, Eduardo Paolozzi
Head of Invention, Eduardo Paolozzi

The Design Museum has undergone a pretty impressive transformation lately – it’s moved venue. Originally based in Shad Thames near London Bridge, it recently took over the old Commonwealth building on High Street Kensington, opening only a few months ago.

Ceiling

The building itself is pretty impressive. Located on a busy high street, it has an appealing modern entrance and is hugely striking inside. Photographs on the mezzanine illustrate the progress of the transformation. Like many museums in London, the Design Museum is made up of a mixture of free permanent exhibitions and temporary paid exhibitions, with something to suit every taste; there’s a café, restaurant and gift shop too.

Wall of designs

The major free exhibition is called Designer Maker User, and it looks at examples of good design throughout modern history, from furniture to games consoles to road signs. The Tube map makes an appearance, not to mention typewriters and computers.

Designer

Maker

User

The second free exhibition I saw was Cartier in Motion, which looked at the history of Cartier. Sponsored by the brand, it is in many ways a commercial exhibition, but it was informative and interesting, even if it didn’t convince me that I need a Cartier watch.

Design Museum

The two temporary exhibitions currently are Imagine Moscow, in the basement, and California: Designing Freedom, on the ground floor. I visited one and not the other; it’s handy to be able to choose what you want to see. There’s a rolling programme of paid temporary exhibitions, reason to go back again and again.

Design Museum

The Design Museum is definitely a worthwhile place to visit, should you be interested in this kind of thing. The free exhibition is wide-ranging enough to attract attention and the range of temporary exhibitions is certainly promising.

FACTS

Address: 224-238 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6AG

Website: designmuseum.org

Opening Hours: 10am-6pm daily

Prices: Free

Imagine Moscow – Design Museum

Design Museum

I’ve always had an interest in Russia, so when I visited the Design Museum recently I made sure to check out their exhibition Imagine Moscow. The exhibition, like so many this year, marks the centenary of the Russian Revolution, and explores Moscow as it was imagined by a new generation of architects and designers in the 1920s and early 1930s. The projects envisaged by them never materialised, but they remain testaments to the ambition and vision of the new regime.

Imagine Moscow exhibition

The projects explored include aviation, communication and industrialisation, using artwork, propaganda and architectural drawings. I was particularly struck by the vision of communal living, with its strict timetables laid out for each worker of the Soviet state. I was torn between admiration for the desire to ensure every person had ample time for recreation and exercise, and horror at the tightly regulated nature of every minute of the day.

One of the most fascinating projects, for me, is the Palace of the Soviets. This, the proposed centre of Soviet administration in Moscow, was imagined as a colossal edifice in the centre of the city, with a gigantic statue of Lenin on top. The nineteenth-century Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on the proposed site was demolished in preparation for work to begin, but the building never got off the ground (literally). Eventually the site became a public swimming pool before a replacement cathedral in the original design was built.

I found the exhibition to be an interesting exploration of what might have been, and a positive introduction to the Design Museum’s new site.

WWT London

WWT London entrance

The WWT London Wetland Centre is a wetland reserve managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in the Barnes area of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, southwest London. I had some Tesco Clubcard Days Out tokens to use, so decided to pay it a visit.

The WWT is a conservation charity with a focus on saving and preserving wetlands, which are havens for wildlife and essential to our ecosystem. There are several wetland centres throughout the country. I actually grew up pretty near the Washington centre, so have visited it several times; this is the first time, however, that I have visited the London site.

Statue of Peter Scott

I got the bus to the centre (several buses run nearby, from Hammersmith and White City) and walked up to the entrance. The first thing I spotted, in a pond close by, was a statue of Peter Scott. He founded the WWT in 1946: the first site was at Slimbridge and even then was open to the public. (Incidentally, Peter was the son of polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott. In his last letter to his wife Kathleen, Scott wrote of their son, “Make the boy interested in nature if you can”. Looks like that worked out pretty well).

Ducks

Once I’d paid and passed through the entrance building, I found myself in a central courtyard with the observatory straight ahead, a café to my right, and two possible routes ahead of me: the West route and the South route, which curve around the main lake in the centre (a map is available online). I opted for the West route first of all.

Assorted waterfowl

It was a lovely day, and I enjoyed walking past the various ponds and lakes, trying to identify the various birds roaming around. This area is divided into different sections, each one based on a wetland from a different part of the world. I had fun with some of the rather random bird names – I’m particularly fond of the whistling ducks. As I walked back I realised I was just in time for the otter feeding. There are a pair of otters here, Asian short-clawed otters, and it was fun to watch them play and dive for their fish.

Ducks having a conversation

When I got back to the entrance I went for a cup of tea before heading down the South route. This one was much quieter, calmer and more open. I passed the bat house and had a lovely view out onto the expanse of the main wetland. I ventured into a couple of the hides, but I don’t really have the patience to sit quietly identifying birds!

Ducklings

A note on accessibility: the wetland was built upon the site of a defunct reservoir, so it’s pretty flat, and most of the paths are wide. The largest hide even has a lift, so overall it seems pretty accessible.

Otters

I really enjoyed my trip to the Wetland Centre. I wonder if I made a mistake coming in the late spring: I thought this would be the best time but in fact it’s in the winter when you’re more likely to see the rarer birds. The website has an interesting guide to what you might be able to see each season, as well as lots of interesting facts about wetlands and wildlife.

Otters

Entrance is pretty pricey, but it’s all for a good cause, and if you use Clubcard tokens like me it’s a bargain. Recommended.

FACTS

Address: Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT

Website: wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london

Opening Hours: 9.30am-5.30pm summer, 9.30am-4.30pm winter

Prices: £13.49 adults, £10.09 concessions, £7.42 children 4-16, under 4s free. Slightly cheaper prices are available without Gift Aid.

Mat Collishaw: Thresholds – New Wing, Somerset House

When I read about this exhibition, I knew I wanted to check it out. Mat Collishaw: Thresholds is a unique recreation of William Henry Fox Talbot’s first exhibition of photographs in Birmingham in 1839. But instead of plonking down the original photos and inviting audiences to view them again, the exhibition is more daring: it uses virtual reality technology to take you back to the original exhibition.

The actual room you enter, in a corner of the New Wing at Somerset House, is stark white and filled with plain white cases. When you put on the special backpack, with glasses and headphones, however, the space is transformed. Around you is a recreation of the original exhibition space. In front of you, cases showcase the impressive photographs that were originally displayed, and you can pick them up to take a closer look. Mice run along the floor, spiders creep over the paintings, and a fire burns in the corner. Outside, you can see guards policing the streets, and towards the end of the experience you can even see and hear the Chartist protesters who rioted in 1839 on the streets of Birmingham.

The actual experience lasts six minutes, though you need to allow time for the introduction and to get your equipment set up. Though short, it’s unforgettable, and its use of very modern technology reminds you of how cutting-edge the science of photography would have seemed to exhibition attendees in the mid-nineteenth century. The exhibition isn’t on for very long, but I’d urge you to catch it before 11 June.

Russian Revolution: Hope, Tragedy, Myths – British Library

These days I always seem to go to exhibitions towards the end of their run, but I ended up seeing Russian Revolution: Hope, Tragedy, Myths at the British Library fairly early, owing to the fact that some friends wanted to go too. We booked for Saturday afternoon and were surprised to find the exhibition so quiet. Marking the centenary of the Russian Revolution, it uses documents, books, letters, photographs and film footage to explore how the revolution began and developed and the impact it made.

I’m vaguely familiar with what happened, as I am very interested in Russian history anyway, but the exhibition helped to clarify events for me, and I think I left with a greater understanding of what was going on. The exhibition followed a largely chronological path, which I personally found very helpful. It looked at the structure of Russian society at the time of the Tsars before examining how and why the revolution was sparked.

My favourite section was actually the final one, ‘Writing the Revolution’, as it looked at some books which are my favourites, including Boris Pasternak’s Dr Zhivago. I also enjoyed the look at film at the end, including clips from famous Soviet films.

The exhibition runs until 29 August and it’s definitely worth taking some time out to see it this summer.

Jewellery brand of the month: I Am Acrylic

I’m sure you’re all waiting with bated breath to see what the next jewellery brand of the month will be. This time I’ve chosen the British brand

I AM ACRYLIC

I Am Acrylic is the brand of Brendan and Ruth, who have been making jewellery since 2004. They have many gorgeous designs available on their site and Etsy page and they are also open to commissions – I have a couple of ideas myself! From looking at their stuff, they seem to specialise in the cute and quirky, and they’re also great at making abstract designs based on real places.

Last winter, they made some incredible brooches and necklaces inspired by Port Lockroy on Antarctica, the home of Penguin Post. They were never available on the website and I was a bit skint, last winter, to buy one, but it remains my dream piece.

Port Lockroy jewellery
Port Lockroy jewellery

My first pieces of I Am Acrylic jewellery were the Two in a Bush Bird Brooch and A Bird in the Hand Ring (I have the blackbird version). They’re so sweet and charming.

Bird brooch and ring
Bird brooch and ring

I’m in love with this Yellow Brick Road Necklace, portraying the Road to Oz in inimitable I Am Acrylic style.

Yellow Brick Road Necklace
Yellow Brick Road Necklace

The Piggy Bank Brooch is one of their latest releases, and it’s absolutely adorable. You can actually put money in it! It’s also available as a necklace.

Piggy Bank Brooch
Piggy Bank Brooch

If you want something more subtle, this Hedgehog Necklace is seriously cute.

Tiny Hedgehog Necklace
Tiny Hedgehog Necklace

Not ones to waste anything, Brendan and Ruth have begun making necklaces with the offcuts of their other creations. Layers of coloured acrylic are glued together and cut out with a fretsaw, so that each Little Layered Lump Necklace – as they are known – is unique. Check out their Etsy page for the latest lumps.

Little Layered Lumps
Little Layered Lumps

Finally, one of London’s best-loved landmarks in brooch form: Battersea Power Station.

Battersea Power Station Brooch
Battersea Power Station Brooch

Check out I Am Acrylic via the links below. I’d particularly recommend following them on Instagram, as you get to see pictures of their interesting commissions and one-off creations.

Website: iamacrylic.co.uk

Etsy: etsy.com/shop/iamacrylic

Facebook: facebook.com/i.am.acrylic

Instagram: instagram.com/iamacrylic

Hunterian Museum

Royal College of Surgeons
Royal College of Surgeons

The Hunterian Museum is about to close for a three-year refit, so I decided to pop in one Saturday beforehand. I had visited the museum a few years ago, but don’t actually remember all that much about my visit, so it was about time for another.

Hunterian Museum
Hunterian Museum

The museum is located in the Royal College of Surgeons, in Lincoln’s Inn Fields just across from John Soane’s house. On this occasion I had to queue for half an hour to get in: the imminent closure of the museum means that people are rushing to visit, but it isn’t usual to have to queue for this place.

The collection of John Hunter, a pioneer and hugely important figure in the field of surgery, was purchased by the government in 1799 and given to the Company (later The Royal College) of Surgeons. This collection formed the basis for the museum which opened as part of the new Royal College of Surgeons of London’s building, which still stands today. The museum was redesigned and expanded several times during the nineteenth century, but during the Second World War the building was bombed and much of the collection destroyed. It reopened in 1963, but was remodelled again in the latter half of the century, before reopening in its current form in 2005.

The museum, the bulk of which is made up of John Hunter’s collections, contains many medical specimens. I admit I didn’t look too closely at these as I am rather squeamish. However, it is a valuable resource for students of medicine. Notable displays include preserved tumours, skeletons affected by syphilis, and the full skeleton of Charles Byrne, ‘the Irish giant’. There are also some interesting paintings, and displays covering the history of surgery and the exploration of anatomy in London.

It’s a shame this excellent small museum will be closed for three years, but hopefully it will reopen to the public in 2020 even bigger and better than before.

FACTS

Address: The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, C2A 3PE

Website: rcseng.ac.uk/museums-and-archives/hunterian-museum

Opening Hours: Currently closed; due to reopen in 2020

Prices: Free

Shoreditch Town Hall Tour

I’ve visited Shoreditch Town Hall several times over the last few years, as it has recently reinvented itself as an arts venue with several interesting productions. Curious to learn more about the history of the building, I signed up for a Saturday morning tour run by Crouch End Walks.

Our guide began the tour outside, and gave us a run down of the history of the building. Designed by Caesar Augustus Long, it was built in 1865 (and expanded in 1904) as the home of the Shoreditch Vestry, later Metropolitan Borough of Shoreditch. A beautiful building, and the home of a progressive Council, its motto was ‘More Light, More Power’. It was also home to various entertainments, including music hall, during the Victorian era. The inquest into the murder of Mary Kelly, final victim of Jack the Ripper, was held here, and women’s suffrage campaigner Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested on the steps outside. The first ever live broadcast of boxing on British TV came from the Assembly Hall in 1955, and Oliver Reed and the Krays were regulars.

In 1965, Shoreditch, Stoke Newington and Hackney merged into the newly created London Borough of Hackney. As Council business moved to Hackney Town Hall, Shoreditch Town Hall fell into disuse and disrepair. After a brief interval as a home of raves and alternative club nights, it was placed on English Heritage’s ‘Buildings At Risk’ register in 1996. A grassroots campaign enabled an independent Trust to be formed to renovate and reopen the building. This work began in 2004 and the building was declared no longer at risk in 2006. A second phase of work began in 2012, and has succeeded in making several spaces – including the impressive Assembly Hall – available for use.

Inside the Town Hall
Inside the Town Hall

Inside, we gathered in the foyer and headed upstairs to the Mayor’s Parlour, the Council Chamber and the beautiful restored Assembly Hall.

Windows bearing the slogan, 'More Light, More Power'
Windows bearing the slogan, ‘More Light, More Power’
Mayor's Parlour
Mayor’s Parlour
Council Chamber
Council Chamber
Assembly Hall
Assembly Hall

We then headed down to the basement (also known as ‘The Ditch’, which doesn’t look quite as pretty in the bright artificial light: I’m used to seeing it open to the public, with candles and fairy lights. The strong lighting did help us see some interesting features, such as the old fireplaces, some original Victorian wallpaper, and an oven.

Basement
Basement
Victorian wallpaper
Victorian wallpaper
Oven
Oven

We also saw some hidden steps, the original 1865 steps that were covered over at the time of the 1904 extension.

Steps
Steps

We stumbled upon some theatre crew putting together a set for a new production, then headed outside to check out the 1930s extension.

Extension
Extension

I really enjoyed my tour, and the next time I attend an event at Shoreditch Town Hall I will be able to reflect on its long and impressive history.

South Bank Poetry Tour

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I love the Southbank Centre and I love poetry, so the Poetry Tour was an obvious choice. I went along with some friends and we met inside the Poetry Library for 6pm.

The tour was led by Chris McCabe, librarian and poet. It began beside the sculpture of Dylan Thomas’ head, situated inside the library. It is the only sculpture made from life, by Oloff de Wet, and was discovered in the basement several years ago. It was unveiled on the 50th anniversary of the poet’s death in the Poetry Library as a natural home for it. Chris read out some of Thomas’ words about the South Bank as a fitting tribute.

We headed outside, gathering by the poetry stones that were laid in the pavement when this area was constructed. These include some words from Wordsworth, who didn’t particularly like the area, preferring his native Lake District.

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We also heard about the Lion Brewery that used to occupy the site, and about the murder committed here by William Chester Minor. Minor was committed to Broadmoor, and became one of the most prolific contributors to the Oxford English Dictionary, responding to an advert asking for help – let’s face it, he had plenty of time on his hands. The creators of the dictionary had no idea that their helpful contributor was a notorious murderer.

Heading inland from the river, we heard about poet Arthur Rimbaud, who lived nearby (where the BFI Imax is now) in 1888. Stabbed by his lover Paul Verlaine after an argument, he left Camden and returned to France before coming back to London.

We were given audio headsets at this point, and listened to poet Tom Chivers as we explored the area south of the river. We walked by the Waterloo International section of the station, no longer in use, and passed under the station through a graffiti-strewn tunnel.

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Along the way we stopped at the point where the former Necropolis Railway depot still stands. This station took coffins and mourners out to Brookwood Cemetery near Woking, with first and second class carriages for both the dead and the living.

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A little further on and we were standing outside the location of William Blake’s former home in Lambeth, where he lived from 1790 to 1800. His time here was one of great personal happiness for Blake, though he was still deeply concerned about the state of the world: he created his Songs of Experience here. In a nearby tunnel are some utterly stunning mosaics, based on Blake’s poetry and illustrations. They are incredibly detailed and really show the range of his imagination.

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A short walk and we were back to the river. We stopped by Westminster Bridge, because the lion statue from the Lion Brewery is now here. The brewery was bombed during the Second World War, but the lion somehow survived.

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We continued on the south bank, stopping at the final poetry stone with a quote from TS Eliot, before returning to the Poetry Library.

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