About

The Design Museum is the world’s leading museum dedicated to contemporary architecture and design. Their innovative exhibitions, partnerships, research and learning programmes evidence how design can enable this planet and its inhabitants to thrive. ‘PLATFORM’ is a new, free annual display that showcases the work of a designer making an impact on contemporary design discourse.

The inaugural ‘PLATFORM’ display presents the work of Bethan Laura Wood, a multidisciplinary designer fascinated by how we connect with everyday objects around us. Bethan’s work is characterised by material investigation, artisan collaboration, and a passion for colour, detail and decoration.

In this workshop, explore key subjects in Bethan Laura Wood’s work — adornment, desire, modernity, tradition and the beauty in the everyday — and how functional design can incorporate personal narrative and storytelling.

Designer Holly Rollins introduces her own practice and research-based design methodology, before you delve into different references and gather inspiration for your design. Explore storytelling and memory around an object of your choice, and reflect on the connection as a starting point for your lamp design.

In the second half of the day, start designing and testing your prototype, using modelling materials and decorative tools. At the end of the session, participants share their designs with the group and discuss how lighting can act as a cultural conduit.

Each participant leaves with a unique and functional lamp prototype, and a deeper understanding of how functional design can illuminate emotional connections, cultural storytelling and aesthetic exploration.