Joy Of Living Exhibition

Let me tell you about a great exhibition starting next week called 'Joy of Living'. For those not in the know, it is a charity project where over 100 designers will take part in showing their support for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres, a charity that helps people build a life beyond cancer. Author Max Fraser is the man behind this beautiful idea where upcoming and established designers will create artwork pieces that express the joy of living, all starting from a single sheet of A4 graph paper.

The signed works, will be exhibited and on sale in London’s Somerset House, 15th-26th March. The project aims to raise £50,000 for Maggies. Some of the designers involved include Terence Conran, Tom Dixon, Rob Ryan, Max Lamb to name just a few.

What I found touching about this exhibition was Max Fraser's personal reason behind his involvement. His mother went through a 6 year battle with cancer which made Max more determined to contribute in some way to help people fight against this disease. Where best to start but by helping the surroundings and building a good quality of life for suffering patients. It is for this reason that it is important supporting Maggie's.

There is a beautiful interview with Max Fraser over at Confessions of a Design Geek, please go and have a read, it is beautifully inspiring.

In the words of charity founder, Maggie Keswick Jencks:

'What matters is not to lose the Joy of living in the fear of dying'

Images are from the Joy of Living artwork.

Top Drawer 2011 Round Up

Top drawer kicked off the year and it certainly did not disappoint, oozing with inspiration it was great to see so many exciting products. 

Here are some of my favourite picks...

I am such a fan of Ary Trays, so I just had to have a quick snoop at the Michael Angove‘s spoon, feather and egg designs, never disappoints.

Speaking of trays I also loved the quirky designs from Jenny Duff, vibrant and fun!

How cool are these mugs from Cole of London? This collection of the monarch mugs is so fun, a great way to learn your history ;)

 There were so many great accessories as always from Wild & Wolf. I particularly loved the Rob Ryan collection which was no surprise really. Available to buy from Bloomsbury store.

I fell in love with the new Olympic range from Jan constantine. Flying the flag for Britain with these beautifully coloured cushions they were a real hit.

Speaking of cushions, I am a big fan of Michelle Mason, having featured her on my 'one to watch' series. Her collection is always fresh and up beat. Love the new Columbia road cushion, very sweet.

 With vintage right on trend, Granny Knits has it spot on. This is a new brand of contemporary cross stitch kits from the people behind Pearl & Earl. I love their products, full of nostalgic chic to drool over..

Betty Boyns have launched a new vintage gift ware range which is just exquisite, I also particularly loved their fabrics that were developed from this range.

Now here is a fun 100% cotton tea towel from Mibo. Have a dab at some of your inner crafts skill and have some fun making this cute lion into a cushion. They will be in stock in 4 weeks time!

 Having already posted about Hello Geronimo I had to feature it on my best picks as it was a real favourite of mine. Making artwork from buttons never looked so good.

I finally managed to meet Lorna Syson in the flesh and she is as lovely as her wall flowers. I have featured her work many times on my blog as it is so refreshing and new. I have to say seeing this aqua/teal wall flower in real life is even more magical. Absolutely loved it.

All images from named companies.

Handmade In Britain

I hope you all had a lovely weekend, mine was a perfect mix with saturday being a very productive day where I managed to get myself down to a couple of exhibitions. Sunday on the other hand was very relaxing catching up on all the reading from my favourite magazines.

One of these events that I went to was 'Handmade In Britain' a fair dedicated at promoting and supporting British design makers who produce their work in the UK. I was so impressed by the talent and all the lovely pieces on display. An array of interesting products from ceramics, jewellery to wallpapers and so on.

Here some of my highlights from the fair. (Click on image to enlarge).

1.Jemma Ooi. 2.Laura Felicity. 3.Lorna Henderson. 4.Graham Lester. 5.Diane Goode. 6.Namiko Murakoshi. 7.Kelly-Hyosooghwang.

LDF10: My Tent Highlights

Another day another event! Yes it was a very busy weekend with just too many fantastic events happening at the same time. I never really thought of the idea of clones until this very weekend, but seeing as that wasn't an option I dragged myself to as many events as possible and I am so glad that I did! 

I am ecstatic that I managed to get myself down to Tent at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, a totally ground-breaking show delivering the very best contemporary and vintage design, architecture and interiors and the world of digital. 

So much to love, here is a selction of some of my highlights. (click on image to enlarge).

1.Curiousa & Curiousa. 2.Ary Trays. 3.Zoe Murphy. 4.Furnish. 5.Gemma Milly. 6.Ercol.

A few more...

7.Orchard Studio. 8.Dixit. 9.We Have Furniture. 10.Sessio. 11.A+Z Design.

LDF10: 100% Design Highlights

This weekend was a rather busy one, with LDF sadly drawing to a close, I scurried along to all the top events happening in London. First stop: 100% Design! This was phenemonal with such an amazing showcase of talent.

Here are some of my highlights of the event. (click image to enlarge)

1.Rothschild &Bickers. 2.Channels. 3.MacMaster Design. 4.Elise Fouin. 5.Jay Watson. 6.Michelle Mason

More highlights...

7.Jonathan Tibbs. 8.Lasvit. 9.Pinch. 10.Limited Edition. 11.Camilla Meijer. 12.Verreum.

And just a few more...

 13.Penelope Batley. 14.Piegatto Furniture. 15.Koji Katsuragi. 16.Johnny Egg.

Look out for more highlights from the other amazing events, posting soon!

Ron-Tastic!

Last month I went to see an intriguing exhibition of one of the most influential and talented architect, designer and artist of our time, Ron Arad.

Showcasing a wide range of Arad's studio based works, unique and limited edition pieces, you really are in for a treat. Video clips at the exhibition also show the internationally acclaimed designer explaining his thought process behind each inspiring piece. This exhibition really is a place where you are self immersed into the world of this genius that defies categorisation.

A designer that is driven by his relentless curiosity about form and his experimentation with innovate materials and techniques. His sense of shape, form and curve bring new meaning and freedom to design, where he explores beyond boundaries.

Do not miss this exhibition but hurry as this ends on the 16 May and believe me you will be sorry!

Ron Arad: Restless, Barbican Art Gallery.