Every time I visit the V&A... - part 4

...I remember Amanda Levete Architects installation at the main entrance to the V&A welcoming visitors to the London Design Festival last year (I mentioned it in my post). I remember photographing the structure and enjoying myself so much that I simply could not wait to see what was on display this year.

If the spiral last year corresponded to the contours of the main entrance, the installation this year added quite a quirky touch; keeping to the arch of the architecture, allowing to expand outside and beautifully completing the oval. Looking at it this way, I (very loosely) imagine an eye with long eye-lashes elegantly winking at me. As if saying - 'Come in, it is all waiting here for you'.

What a more amusing way of welcoming visitors than seeing or indeed sitting in one of these chairs designed by Thomas Heatherwick.

These chairs go round and round if you want to have some fun. However, for sceptical individuals, I can honestly say, they are so comfortable.

There is much more on Heatherwick Studio in the gallery nearby. And when I say more, I mean it. The space is not big enough. Personally, the next best thing would be to buy the accompanying book that describes thinking behind the projects even better.This is a book I have not purchased yet but consider it a must have.

This colourful close-up is the work of AL_A (aka Amanda Levete Architects). Visiting the court-yard of the museum, you will see various benches along the inner walls. 'Bench of Plates' caught my eye. Was it the colours, the structure, the simplicity of the idea, the craftsmanship? I think all of these.


Similarly to last year, even this time I visited Tent London. Again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was so much to see, so many disciplines to admire. Therefore, I have picked a few that suit my interests.

Yet again, I caught Lizzie Mary Cullen in action drawing her psychogeographic urban landscapes on the walls of her stand.

If you remember (I mentioned it before), we studied at university together and I always enjoy watching her progress. Yes, she goes strong. Her energy and ideas are such inspiration.

This year, I focused on areas that are closer to my own existence.

Melanie Porter and Claire-Anne O'Brien bring their craft home to living experience with elegance and appreciation of their skill.

I was just silently standing there and admiring the dedication and time coming into each of these pieces. Yes, I did enjoy these two stands.





On a slightly different note yet still close to my interests, I walked past 'Cod Project' by Gaga and Design who introduced their structural chairs. Their welcoming shape, the eye-catching pattern and the negative spaces that become part of the design made it all more interesting from a photography point of view. What a good choice to place them in dark surroundings and point spotlights at them. The intrigue that is created is priceless.

There was so much to see and do this Festival and I only touched on it. What I will remember more than anything else is the atmosphere. There is so much inspiration in one place. I am looking forward to the next one, the London Design Festival 2013. K-)