Photograph by Gravity Road
Nestled in the West Kensington pocket of one of London’s most-favoured high streets and pitched on the edge of Holland Park, this stealth newcomer has become a prime destination for any design lover. Enter Sir Terence Conran’s Design Museum that joined west London’s ranks in 2016 to occupy the former Commonwealth Institute in Kensington from a previous 25-year tenure and groundbreaking exhibitions at the Shad Thames. Previous to that, the world-famous museum’s first inception was as the Boilerhouse Project.
Today, the Design Museum is as much devoted to contemporary design in every form as ever before. From architecture and graphics to fashion and industrial design, it remains a true homage to creativity and innovation. Renowned as the destination whereby the design industry, education and the public meet to enforce a new way for people to think about themselves and the future. Its collection, publishing, events, exhibitions, learning and digital programmes invite everyone to experience and reflect on the impact of design.
A 1960s building reimagined by architect John Pawson in recent years, the museum stands proud as a spectacular modern landmark that has welcomed over 2 million visitors since its reopening. Grade II* listed and vacant for over a decade, John Pawson’s design team breathed a staggering new light to the space fusing clean edges with an ethereal grace, all the while retaining its unique spatial quality. It’s unsurprising the project was awarded European Museum of the Year in 2018.
Recognising design as a continually evolving subject, the Design Museum grants opportunities to discover the present and future of design through a schedule of temporary exhibitions and displays. Whether it be emerging fashion designers or an artistic tribute to a musical icon, there’s undeniably always something for everyone.
Current exhibitions to perk our interest include Bethany Williams: Alternative Systems. Celebrating not only the work of London-based designer Williams, the new exhibition broaches a discussion of environmental and social issues with the common theme of an uncontradicted practice of fashion. From collaborations with community projects to garments made from recycled book waste, this display also showcases Williams’ contribution to the Emergency Designer Network to create PPE during the pandemic. Bethany Williams: Alternative Systems runs until 04 September 2022.
Taking a lyrical note, Amy: Beyond the Stage pays tribute to the creativity and legacy of one of the most beloved musicians of our time, Amy Winehouse. A collection of personal objects, now in private ownership and some never exhibited before, are presented in collaboration with the Estate of Amy Winehouse. Roll back the years to explore the story of Amy’s career through her teenage notebooks and recordings that identify the musical influences that shaped Amy’s star quality. In addition, see iconic outfits first hand worn during her greatest performances, handwritten lyrics and her rare blue Daphne Fender Stratocaster guitar exhibited for the very first time. Amy: Beyond the Stage runs until 10 April 2022.
Atop the museum’s mezzanine level, the The Ralph Saltzman Prize is a new initiative that invites visitors to celebrate a stream of emerging product designers. Developed by Lisa Saltzman on behalf of the Saltzman Family Foundation, this annual contest is in recognition of Ralph Saltzman’s design legacy and his contemporary design ethos. Offering a £5,000 honorarium to the winning designer, it grants the added vantage to display their work at the Design Museum and remains in keeping with the museum’s mission to advocate new talent and support a vibrant design sector. Nottingham-based product and furniture designer Mac Collins was selected as the 2022 prize winner to represent the first-ever recipient of The Ralph Saltzman Prize. The Ralph Saltzman Prize runs until 3 April 2022.
