London has a design-tastic line-up of events planned for this summer, so if you're anywhere near the capital between now and October, make sure to get involved.
The ninth edition of the London Design Festival will take place between September 17 and 25 and there are some 250 events on the agenda. Architect John Pawson's metal and Swarovski crystal installation at Saint Paul's Cathedral promises to be a highlight, as does Amanda Levete Architects' installation at the entrance to the V&A Museum. The Bouroullec brothers' Textile Field, an expansive coloured foam and textile installation with gentle slopes that visitors can lounge on, is also one to watch out for. "This year's festival will demonstrate the power and versatility of design across London; offering a series of quality projects that fulfil London's design credentials," says the festival director, Ben Evans.
This summer also marks the 60th anniversary of The Festival of Britain, a countrywide event that was designed to promote British industry, ingenuity and art, and provide a "tonic to the nation" as the country dragged itself out of the shadows of the Second World War. The Southbank Centre is marking the occasion with a four-month festival of culture and creativity, which runs until September 4.
If you've got time to cram in one more event, make it the Kenneth Grange Making Britain Modern exhibition at the Design Museum, which is running from July 20 to October 30.
Grange is one of Britain's leading product designers, with a career that spans over 50 years and a portfolio that includes some of the most iconic and familiar products and appliances around. Kodak cameras, the silhouette for the Intercity 125 train, the first British parking meter, Parker pens, and the redesigned London black cab are all projects that Grange has put his name to. This exhibition is the first UK retrospective celebrating Grange's work, and will include over 150 products, prototypes, sketches as well as audio, photography and film. More info at www.designmuseum.org