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224-238 Kensington High St. couldn’t be a more fitting home for the new, reinvigorated, Design Museum. Its structural sweeping roof, its glowing yellow signage, its wide staircase that acts as an impromptu seating area, all come together to form a space that feels at once carefully planned and open to play.

When I went a couple of weekends ago it was absolutely packed – I’d avoid Saturday afternoons for a bit. While it was bad for me as someone who hates crowds, it’s a great sign for the museum. It wasn’t just design folk either, the new £83mil building was filled with a whole spectrum of Londonners and tourists.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the shows they have on currently is their permanent collection, something they didn’t have the room for in their last home. Designer-Maker-User examines how the world around us has been shaped by design, and how design has been shaped by designers, makers, and users. What could have been an overly broad and theoretical piece on the nature of design, their use of brands and objects everyone will recognise makes the exhibition relevant and engaging.

  

After you’ve seen Designer-Maker-User make sure you check out the Beazley Designs of the Year, to see design thinking in practice. The diverse collection of designs, from ambitious architectural projects to an electric bike and a pair of trainers made from waste plastic, are organised into themes to help you navigate the space and understand how design impacts real lives. On the topic of understanding, you can tell the museum has put a lot of effort into helping people understand why each piece has been selected. No matter how weird or wacky every design has been given its own write up, and there’s an introductory statement about the criteria for nominations. These little touches give the exhibit a real sense of value rather than just being a collection of oddities. Hopefully, they’ll also lead to some interesting results from the public vote for winners too.

The Design Museum is also hosting works from their artists in residence around the theme of openness, and a show called Fear & Love which is 11 pieces that look to solve problems created by design. Both of which are thought provoking and really interesting to wander round.  

I will say that I’m looking forward to them using the atrium space more effectively. In it’s current, empty, form, the heart of the space feels a bit lacking and without focus.

That said, the new Design Museum is full of promise and suggests a confidence in the industry that it really deserves. Design isn’t just a buzz word. It isn’t just making things that are pretty. It’s about improving the world around you for real people. That’s the calling card of this museum. You can just feel that there is so much more to come from this corner of Kensington.

Have you been out to the new space? What did you think?

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A new year is quite often cast as a new slate, a time to get motivated and start afresh. But sometimes the flicking over of the calendar isn’t all we need to get going, and once the heady haze of overly ambitious new year’s resolutions has settled we need to realise that we can start afresh whenever we want. These are the things that are inspiring me to keep going through this month and try and treat every day like the first of January.

1. THE LIFE CHANGING MAGIC OF NOT GIVING A FUCK

I’ve mentioned this one on this blog before, but it’s worth mentioning again. The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a Fuck is a book about, well, not giving a fuck. Or rather, it’s about realising that you can’t give a fuck about everything and so you need to really think about where you spend your fucks. My word for this year is caring (a more family friendly way of saying fuck giving I guess) because I want to be more conscious of what I care about. I need to stop caring about the things that make me feel bad or anxious and start caring more about the things and people that I love, and this book has really helped clarify that for me. I will say it’s writing is a little repetitive and you don’t need to read all of it to get the message, but the wisdom it imparts mean it’s something I keeping dipping back into. I’ve also been rethinking caring through the lens of the very gorgeous Learning to Love You More by Harrell Fletcher & Miranda July.

2. THESE 2 TED TALKS

I go through phases of TED talks: I get into them, I watch too many, then I get sick of them. I’m back into them again currently and these two are the ones that are inspiring me. Neither of them are very new but they’re both very good. Young-ha Kim’s ‘Be an artist, right now!’ has motivated me to get making again because I love it. I miss making things with my hands and actually drawing or painting. I used to make so much when I was little. Now I want to reconnect with that childhood joy and get making again, even if it isn’t good, because “we are all born artists.” In a similar vein, Stefan Sagmeister ‘Happiness by Design’ has got me thinking about finding the joy in my process and how design can bring you joy, whether that’s in creating it, seeing it or using it.

3. THE YOUTUBE DESIGN COMMUNITY

I know, this is a big one. But I’ve only just discovered the design community that’s filming and vlogging on youtube (yes, I have been living under a rock). Once I know a bit more I might put a full post up on design-tubers. There are so many cool people putting themselves out there. I’ve seen so many interesting events through their eyes and it has given me so many ideas of things I want to do and try this year. They’re also creating some awesome work! Some of my favourites include: Natasha Nuttall, Hollie Arnett, Charli Marie, and Frannerd

4. ELIZABETH GILBERT’S MAGIC LESSONS

This is an oldie but a goodie. I recently found myself in need of an extra podcast and remembered the Elizabeth Gilbert’s Magic Lessons which I used to dip in and out of. The podcast features lots of really interesting and inspirational creative people talking about their creative struggles and how to live a creative life, as well as Elizabeth’s conversations with “ordinary” people who want to be more creative. It’s a bit like creative therapy, but more fun than that sounds. Elizabeth has been empowering creative people for years with her writing, and listening to her sage words of wisdom always makes me feel better and like I want to get going. If you run out of episodes, I’d suggest checking out her book Big Magic or the Raise Your Hand Say Yes podcast by Tiffany Han.

5. LONDON

I’ve been living in London for a little while now, and I realise I haven’t been taking advantage of the city. There’s so much to do and see here, that if I’m quite honest I’ve been a bit overwhelmed and not done anything. But that is going to change. I’m going to take inspiration from the city I’m in whether that’s going to more museums or shows, or just trying to find the excitement in getting to be here. I was also very kindly gifted a National Art Pass for Christmas which is going to open even more doors to adventure this year.

What’s inspiring you this month?

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Recently I embarked on trying to write out all of the recipes I know/love so that I can get a bit better at varying what I cook, because I always forget how much I can actually make. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut of repeating the same 3 or 4 meals. In the process, I made these little recipe cards, inspired by the super cute ones Rifle Paper make. Now before I start meal planning I can flick through the cards if I’m feeling uninspired. I thought I’d share them here in case anyone else wanted to get their kitchen, or at least their dinners, organised for the new year.

I’m also sharing one of the recipes I was most excited to write out which is an adapted almond version of Oh Lady Cake’s now iconic Lazy Girl Peanut Butter Cookies. I like to make a big batch of these at the start of the month if I’m feeling super together and have them as an afternoon snack at work. I can’t get through the afternoon without a snack, but these are way better for you than chowing down on half a packet of biscuits and they’re just as tasty as a hobnob, they’re also pretty protein heavy to keep you full.

Just in case you can’t read my writing, this is the recipe all typed out.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups rolled oats

10 medjool dates, or 15 regular dates soaked in warm water for 10 mins

4 tbsp flaked almonds, a little extra to decorate

1/2 cup peanut butter

6 tbsp almond milk (or any other nut milks you have to hand, you can use ordinary milk but the cookies won’t keep as long)

Pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS

  • Basically chuck it all in a food processor. More precisely, process the oats and almonds, then add the pb (I’d melt it in the microwave first if it’s not one of those super runny ones) and process, then the dates (all chopped up to help the blending), then the milk.
  • Once it’s all blended up either roll it out and cut into bars or make it into little balls then flatten them to make cookies. If I’m rolling them out, I sprinkle some extra almond flakes on top at the end then give it an extra roll to make them pretty.
  • This recipe usually makes about 20 little cookies for me, or 10 or so bars – so 2 weeks of afternoon work snacks.
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As everyone starts knuckling down to work in the new year I thought that it would be worthwhile sharing the places in London, outside of my room, where I feel most productive. Sometime having a change of environment is all you need to get you going or spark some inspiration. The more time you spend freelancing or working at home the more important it is to have an outside space you can work in to separate your home and work life and keep you feeling inspired.

I can personally guarantee each and everyone of these is 100% better than sitting in Starbucks.

ACE HOTEL 

100 Shoreditch High St, E1 6JQ

The Ace Hotel is where I go when I want to feel a bit, well a lot, cooler than I actually am. Working in a hotel lobby might sound a bit strange or uncomfortable, but it’s surprisingly relaxed and you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by some stylish people. They have one long desk, which is where I normally like to work, with power points and lights that feels studious. But they also have a range of sofas and comfy seating, and you can move into the restaurant if you’re feeling a bit peckish. I can highly recommend their chips, I know it’s not a January diet friendly suggestion, but they are gosh darn tasty and they got me through a particularly tough new year hangover a couple of years ago.

BRITISH LIBRARY 

96 Euston Rd, Kings Cross, NW1 2DB

The British Library is one of my favourite places to spend in London full stop. As someone who like quiet and calm… and books, it’s probably not that surprising. It’s also a space that’s built for working. Their café is perfect for casual working or for working in a group – sometimes I even see people doing one-on-one lessons in there. Plus their food is from Peyton and Byrne so it’s pretty tasty. The next level up is their what I call their foyer area, just up the stairs from the main entrance, which is has a series of desks with power points which are free to use. Then there are the reading rooms, which are for quiet focused work. The ultimate space to channel the student you wish you had been, plus they have so many resources you can use. It’s free to become a member but you need to be planning on using their catalogues. Word to the wise, if you want to get one of the desks in the main foyer you’ll need to be quick because they get snapped up by students fast.   

GOOGLE CAMPUS 

4-5 Bonhill St, Shoreditch, EC2A 4BX

Purpose designed as a work space the google campus has a lot going for it. If you’re serious about using the campus you can rent a desk in the coworking area or space in their labs. But if just want to drop in their café is really nice, it’s quite a buzzy atmosphere so best if you like to be in the thick of it when you’re working. The coffee’s pretty good and all you have to do is sign up as a member (feels kind of exclusive but it’s free and online).

V&A NATIONAL ART LIBRARY 

Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL

Probably the most beautiful place on this list, the V&A Art Library is the place if you want your work to have a little bit of grandeur about it. This one makes me feel like I’m back in Oxford which always makes me feel a bit more productive. It’s the perfect space to feel inspired whether you’re drawing from the environment or their ample supply of arts books. As it’s in the V&A if you get bored or need a break you’re never going to be at a loss as to what to do. Because it’s a national library, like the British Library, you have to sign up be a reader to use the reading room but it’s free and you can do it online before you go.

TIMBERYARD 

4 Noel Street, W1F 8GB

7 Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9DL

Unit 27, Boxpark Shoreditch, 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6GY

The fact that “tea, coffee, work, and play” is Timberyard’s mantra should give you some kind of an idea about why it’s on this list. First off their menu is very good – the food selection is pretty important to me in a workspace – whether you want a full lunch or just a snack. Their coffee will keep you going. Being surrounded by other people working and collaborating always drives me to be more productive, and Timberyard has them in spades. Plus if you’re the kind of person who will need to you can rent event space with them. I’ve only been to one of their locations  but I’m planning on trying to visit the rest throughout the year.

I’ve not mentioned it as it’s a given for a workspace but all of these have free wifi and access to food not too far away.

Where do you like to work? Is there anywhere else in London I should try?

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To keep my to my resolution of reading more books this year and inspired by the Lars Book Club and my new found love of Ariel Bissett, I thought I’d start a little bit of a book club. Every month I’m planning on writing a review of a book I’ve read this year, accompanied with a bit of design work, some food for thought, and further recommendations if you like what you’ve read.

I thought there was no better way to start than with the book I read at least once every year Too Loud a Solitude by Bohumil Hrabal. If asked I’m not sure I would say it’s my favourite book because I’m far to indecisive to commit to a favourite book, but it’s probably up there. At only 112 pages long it’s quick enough to finish in one sitting but complex enough to read over and over again.

Alternative book cover design for Too Loud a Solitude by Bohumil Hrabal

My alternative cover for the novel inspired by the crushing weight of the paper press and the texture of ink on worn paper.

Set in Prague at a time of communist censorship, Too Loud a Solitude is the story of Hanta an old hermit of a man who has spent his life compacting wastepaper and books. Hanta tells his own story in first person throughout the novel, meandering through his youth and minutiae of his day to day life. There’s a mix of absurd comedy and literary musings, as well as a political subplot that seems unavoidable given the book’s setting.

Hrabal’s story pulls you in as a pair open arms. On the one side, you have a human interest piece all about an old man struggling to keep up with a changing world. On the other, there’s a celebration of literature, of Hanta’s defiance to keep the written word alive in the bales and in his mind. In short, it’s about the mortality of man and the immortality of literature, and their unbreakable bond. If that sounds a bit too pretentious, it is also just a story about a weird old man.

I think this little book has a lot of appeal for almost everyone but particularly those who have an interest in all things literary or anyone who wants to learn more about a lesser discussed bit of European history.

SOME QUESTIONS TO PONDER AS YOU READ…

  • Hanta repeats the refrain “for thirty-five years now I’ve been compacting wastepaper and books” throughout the book, what effect does that have on your reading experience?
  • Hrabal’s style has been described as one of digressions, how do the wanderings of Hrabal’s style reflect the wanderings of an old man’s mind?
  • Too Loud a Solitude is both personal and political, did one message resonate with you more than the other?
  • Hrabal’s writing is very much rooted in a certain time and place, do you think that Hanta’s story can transcend that setting? If so how?
  • After reading about Hanta’s love of books and fight to keep them whole, how do you reflect on your own access to books and interest in literature?

    IF YOU WANT SOME FURTHER READING TRY…

    IF YOU WANT MORE BOOKS A BIT LIKE THIS THEN HAVE A LOOK AT…

If you’re planning on reading Too Loud a Solitude and need something to mark your place, you can download and print the bookmark above for free here.