Yesterday was spent in London doing arty things. I love it. Whenever I’ve a London trip planned I can’t stop myself singing this Joe Jackson classic in the shower.
I planned to visit the V&A British Design 1948 – 2012 exhibition and then after a relaxing lunch shoot off to the Queen’s Gallery for Leonardo Da Vinci “Anatomist” .
The design exhibition is excellent. The 1951 Festival of Britain was created as a post-war morale booster and the V&A take this as their starting point.
We move through innovations in a chronological order covering most of our household favourites but there is also an expansive breadth to the exhibition. Homeware, transport, architecture, fashion, popular culture and even software design are all represented admirably.
My overwhelming feeling from visiting the exhibition is that somehow there is a certain “Britishness” quality to our art and design that is identifiable. I know that seems obvious but I say this in the way that there is also a certain “American-ness” or “European-ness” that is equally unique to the designs from different cultures.
Anyway, here, then, in a rough chronological order, are some of my favourites to be appreciated at the exhibition… and if you are in London this summer, it’s well worth a trip… you’ll be humming “Strawberry Fields” before you know it.
and finally…bringing us right up to date… the Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park…
singlemaltmonkey 
Love the post-war/mid-century aesthetic here and in the UK. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Chris, thanks for the comment. I love it too. Pretty nostalgic.
Al, thanks for the tour. wonderful stuff. continue…
Thanks, Tony
I am torn between Coventry Cathedral and Concorde as the most stunning image. All icons. Of the past.
They certainly are. Some great designs – I love them. The Coventry window is stunning though, and in situ is a sight to behold indeed.
Keep doing “arty things”… Can’t argue with the results!
I’ll try.