LuLu Bright is launching its first ‘pøp üp butik’ in London to present a diverse collection of authentic midcentury Scandinavian furniture and design pieces, providing a snapshot of Scandinavian design and lifestyle in Clerkenwell.

PØP ÜP BUTIK

1st – 11th September 2010

97-99 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5BX (07535 637 731)

Jacobsen Stools – c1950

Primarily comprising of original Scandinavian furniture from prestigious designers such as Jacobsen, Wegner and Mogensen, the collection also has pieces inspired by the clean and minimalistic approach of the Nordic aesthetic.

Uosikkinen for Arabia Jars – 1966

Acquired from the infamous Mangano Collection of the Italian curator and promoteur of Finnish design, there’s also on show a selection of Arabia jars and iittala glasses designed by Timo Sarpaneva. In addition, the boutique features The Bright Finds – more affordable and regularly updated range of vintage products found and presented by Lou and Louie Bright.

‘Kekkerit’ Timo Sarpaneva for iittala – 1972

The opening of ‘pøp üp butik’ coincides with the launch of LuLu Bright’s new online boutique – lulubright.co.uk – where visitors can learn more about the fusion of practicality and sophistication that is typical for Scandinavian design. One can also browse and shop the entire LuLu Bright and The Brights Finds collections.

Ekstrom ‘Rustler’ Chair – 1959

Top image: Hvidt Coffee table – 1956, Larsson Armchair – c1950

Writer and brand consultant Duncan Riches takes us on his personal walking tour of Shoreditch and Brick Lane, as featured in LONDON DESIGN GUIDE (the book). Starting off at Old Street and winding through the area’s streets to Aldgate East, a miscellaneous array of shops, sights and eateries await you.

“Alight at the spaghetti junction-inspired Old Stret tube via EXIT 3 and head to No.28 Cowper Street, where you’ll find Undercurrents, a treasure of a shop that sells second-hand 20th-century European design. It’s bursting at the seams with furniture, accessories, lighting and vintage oddities. (Please note: opening hours are incredibly varied. Check before you make a special trip there)

Cut back on to Rivington Street and visit Franco’s Cafe – great value, serving the finest in ciabattas, focaccias and freshly made pastas; the jovial staff are ruthlessly efficient and put on something of a performance too.

Franco’s Cafe, 67 Rivington Street

The health-conscious should hop across Shoreditch High Street onto Calvert Avenue, where Lennies Larder offers big salads and big smiles.

Lennies Larder, 16 Calvert Avenue

Calvert Avenue ends at Arnold Circus, with the Boundary Estate bandstand at its centre. The estate is noteworthy, being the world’s first council-housing project, built by London City Council in 1900 to replace the Friars Mount slum. You can take a moment to reflect here while sitting on a Michael Marriott-designed bench next to the bandstand. In truth, the place is somewhat dog-eared and improvements are scheduled for 2010 – though some graffiti on the notice asks: ‘What’s to improve?’

Boundary Estate Bandstand

Another architectural gem is just south on Chance Street. Dirty House (2002) is one of David Adjaye’s early architectural projects. The former timber factory is now a live/work space for artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster. It’s a strange, inaccessible slab of a building covered in black anti-graffiti paint with blacked-out windows. The beautiful whitewashed cantilevered roof is actually best viewed from the rarefied air of Shoreditch House, but the building is impressive enough from street level in a showy, you’re-not-coming-in kind of way.

Dirty house, Chance Street

Walk south from here on to the ever-evolving Brick Lane. My choice would be to visit Ambala foods for the perfect Asian snack, then head down Fournier Street to the Hawksmoor-designed Christ Church Spitalfields for a piece of local architectural history.

Ambala Foods, 55 Brick Lane

Christ Church Spitalfields, Commercial Street

From here, a wander south on Commercial Street takes you to Whitechapel Gallery, still the best art gallery in the East End.

Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High Street

Alternatively, walk north up Commercial Street and cut across to Bishopsgate via Folgate Street. Then get a well-deserved pint at The Water Poet, a cracking pub on the fringe of the city.”

The Water Poet, 9-11 Folgate Street

This extract was taken from page 127 of London Design Guide. To enjoy similar tours of other areas in London complete with maps, why not order a copy of the guide?

We’ve teamed up with Frances Lincoln Publishers to give away five signed copies of ‘London Light‘ by photographer Sandra Lousada. A tribute to the city –  Lousada’s book captures her relationship with London in all its movement, light and colour. Enter the competition below for the possibility to win (entry deadline: 8th September 2010).

Sandra Lousada has enjoyed a fruitful career of theatre, portrait, fashion, beauty and advertising photography. She became internationally renowned in these areas but it wasn’t until she reached her sixties, having always worked in 35mm and medium-format film, that she delved into the world of digital photography.

She enrolled in a postgraduate course in digital photography at Central St Martins College of Art & Design and discovered that she had finally found an appropriate medium in her digital camera to capture the London she lived in and so loved. Playing on initial ideas of light and water, she progressed to capture movement, colour and reflections: all of which evoke a deep emotional response.

This response was a reflection of what she sees, feels and breathes in London. The advent of her late husband’s death clearly had an impact on her images, producing what her children called ‘crying images’:

‘In the winter months that followed his death I couldn’t sleep, so I would drive around London in the middle of the night, quite often in strong winds and rain. Every so often something would catch my eye and I’d get out of the car and struggle to see what I had noticed and try to work out how to record it’.

The resulting images of her experience show an alternative side to the bustling city – a slowing down of time from the shadows of a thoughtful insight.

COMPETITION: To win one of 5 signed copies of LONDON LIGHT, simply email your name and delivery address to competitions@londondesignguide.com with ‘London Light’ in the subject line.

Competition closes at midday on Wednesday 8th September 2010. Five winners will be chosen at random and notified by email on 8th September. The competition is open to readers from any country and books will be dispatched to the delivery address you supply.

Stay informed of future competitions by signing up to our monthly newsletter.

All featured photographs are taken from ‘LONDON LIGHT’ by Sandra Lousada, published at £25 by Frances Lincoln.

Furniture designer Gareth Neal is creating playful pop-up picnic sites for the Vauxhall Collective. These picnics are sited in reclaimed urban spaces during a two day event held in two East London locations.

The Urban Picnic

Saturday 28th August: Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, London E9 5LN

Sunday 29th August: Elys Yard, Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane E1 6QL

In collaboration with the Vauxhall Collective, Neal followed the brief of ‘The Great British Weekend’ to devise a range of playful objects and furniture to bring urban dwellers out into the sun, with the aim of recreating the essence of a British childhood.

Neal’s project (as chosen by a panel of industry experts), transforms stretches of tarmac into grassy, interactive spaces featuring objects veneered in birch and traditional British timbers. Playful tools with intricate patterns hone in on the traditional craft theme to encourage ping pong, hula hoops and egg and spoon races.

On the 28th August, the originally secret location has recently been announced to take place on Wallis Road in Hackney Wick. The next day, the event will take place in Elys Yard at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. Both locations reference the lost furniture manufacturing industry the areas were once praised for.

Gareth Neal is a member of the Vauxhall Collective, an initiative sponsored by Vauxhall Motors. www.vauxhallcollective.co.uk

All images are taken by Sophie Mutevelian: Gareth Neal picnic table; Gareth Neal log benches; Gareth Neal ping pong bats.

The Red Room, the theatre production company that promotes human rights and challenges social injustices has launched ‘The Oikos Project’- Oikos being the ancient Greek word for house and the root word for economy and ecology. These ideas have combined to form the creation of a fully sustainable theatre, dubbed ‘The Jellyfish Theatre’.

THE JELLYFISH THEATRE

The Marlborough Playground, 11 – 25 Union Street, London SE1 1LB (020 7470 8790)

The project explores how a sustainable society can flourish in a world altered by climate change. Focussing on energy-efficiency, co-operation and human-scale construction, the public have been encouraged to volunteer and bring their own materials to add to the temporary structure, which is made entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials.

Berlin-based architects Kobberling and Kaltwasser have overseen the project, which is situated on a Southwark playground. Junked theatre sets, reclaimed timber from building sites, Covent Garden market pallets and old kitchen units are some of the materials that have been brought along to the site.

Playwrights, Kay Adshead and Simon Wu have written specific plays to be performed in the venue from the end of August. Both plays will tie in with the main project theme – examining the ways our society may adapt for survival as a consequence of climate change.

Further information on how to buy tickets for both performances can be found on the Oikos Project website.

Images from top: A CGI of The Jellyfish Theatre; Other images: displaying the early construction stages of the project.

SHOWstudio, the online fashion broadcasting company, has established a gallery-cum-shop featuring artifacts from renowned designers and photographers – items that were originally unveiled in iconic fashion shoots and catwalks.

SHOWstudio Shop

1-9 Bruton Place, London W1J 6LT (020 7399 4299)

The space is curated by Nick Knight, the photographer and director of the original SHOWstudio website. The ever-changing exhibits are all items that were captured on camera by contemporary photographers whose imagery stands alongside the objects.

In addition, a live studio set up enables spectators to see the process behind the creation of fashion imagery online. A number of renowned designers are filmed via a webcam whilst creating unique pieces known as ‘SHOWstudio Originals’. These pieces are sold with the existing artifacts and prints. Information on particular events can be found on their website.

Images are taken from the exhibition titled Inside/Out, shown in summer 2010.

Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres are hosting a 20 mile night walk in London. The walk will feature an architecturally inspired route to coincide with Open House London: starting at Guildhall and ending in the West End, with all proceeds going to their charity.

Maggie’s architecturally-esteemed centres exist to provide support for people affected with cancer as well as their families, carers and friends with cause to provide information, benefits advice, psychological support, courses and stress reducing strategies.

Following on from last year’s success, the Night Hike will tour through London, whilst stopping off at certain venues that are part of Open House London. This provides a chance to view the interiors of some of London’s finest iconic buildings and residences which are normally off bounds to the public.

Entertainment and refreshments will be available throughout the walk which continues through to the Channel 4 Building, Royal Geographical Society, Maggie’s Centre in Charing Cross Hospital, Serpentine Pavilion, Royal Society of Medicine, Royal Institute of British Architects and the Horse Guards.

An alternative 10 mile walk following a different route is arranged to take in Channel 4, Southbank Centre, City Hall and Bloomberg Space. To be part of this uplifting event, complete an online registration via Maggie’s website.

LONDON DESIGN GUIDE is entering a team for the Night Hike so we hope to see you there! For us, this is a precursor to a forthcoming fundraising event that we are currently developing in collaboration with Maggie’s. We will announce more information about this soon. Watch this space!

Michelle Alger, the Buying Manager for Home and Gift at Liberty walks us on a loop through Soho. Shops, cafes, bars, parks, and even a hairdressers are featured to guide you on a tour which captures the essence of the ever evolving leisure district.

SOHO: Take a Walk with Michelle Alger

“After arriving at Oxford Circus tube, take the exit leading onto Argyll Street and you’ll be facing the large Tudor-style building that is the iconic Liberty. Biased, I know, but in my opinion it is the most interesting store in the area, filled with delights ranging from high fashion through to luxury furniture.

Liberty, Great Marlborough Street.

Walking along Great Marlborough Street you’ll pass the dress-fabric district. Be sure to check out the famous Cloth House stores on Berwick Street, with their lush fabrics and trims.

Cloth House, 98 Berwick Street.

Continue along Noel Street to Hollen Street and the imposing Henry Heath Hat Factory – another fragment of the old artisan Soho.

Henry Heath Hat Factory Building, 98 Berwick Street.

Snake through to Soho Square, with its mock-Tudor gatehouse and welcome green space in the heart of the metropolis.

Soho Square.

On the corner of Old Compton Street and Greek Street, visit Café Boheme and enjoy an afternoon Kir Royale and an atmosphere of Paris circa 1920.

Cafe Boheme, 13-17 Old Compton Street.

Next door is Soho House, where you can enjoy a terrific rooftop terrace if you know a friend with membership. Continue down Old Compton Street past Patisserie Valerie, a must-visit for cakes and coffee.

Patisserie Valerie, 44 Old Compton Street.

On Brewer Street, check out Madame Jojo’s for burlesque dancing and kitsch cabaret and, a few doors further down, Soho’s Original Bookshop, with its edgy collection of fashion and art titles (and a sneaky hidden sex shop downstairs).

Madame Jojo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street.

Soho Original Bookshop, 23-25 Leather Lane.

Carry on along Brewer Street to the Vintage Magazine Shop – great for silver-screen and comic-book fans.

Vintage Magazine Shop, 39-43 Brewer Street.

Continue in the same direction to Tommy Guns for a quick ‘too cool for school’ trim.

Tommy Guns, 52 Brewer Street.

Then do some celeb-spotting at Whole Foods.

Whole Foods, 69-75 Brewer Street.

Take a right into Lower James Street and catch a glimpse of the beautiful arches of lower Regent Street behind you. In Golden Square, stop by Nordic Bakery for coffee and Scandinavian treats before reaching Play Lounge for vinyl collectors on Beak Street.

Nordic Bakery, 14 Golden Square.

Play Lounge, 19 Beak Street.

Cut through Kingly Court – a medley of vintage clothing, homewares and beauty boutiques – and re-emerge on Carnaby Street. Head left to howies, my favourite store on the street, selling unisex ethical clothing.

Howies, 42 Carnaby Street.

Finally, on the corner of Ganton Street and Kingly Street, enjoy a glass of Manzanilla and tapas at Dehesa.”

Dehesa, 25 Ganton Street.

This extract was taken from page 65 of LONDON DESIGN GUIDE. To enjoy similar tours of other areas in London complete with maps, why not order a copy of the guide?

Kati Price, the Marketing and Content Manager at Design Council reveals a glimpse of what Covent Garden has to offer with her personal walking tour which she wrote for LONDON DESIGN GUIDE (the book). Follow her route and you may find some hidden gems within and away from the main bustle of the Covent Garden Piazza.

COVENT GARDEN: Take a Walk with Kati Price

“Start off at Tottenham Court Road, where you can’t miss Centrepoint, one of London’s first skyscrapers, which has a fascinating and controversial history.

Centrepoint, 20-21 St. Giles High Street

Wander down St Giles High Street, cross over into Monmouth Street and pop into Miss Lala’s Boudoir for luxury lingerie, then into Orla Kiely for some of her trademark patterned bags and accessories.

Miss Lala’s Boudoir, 18 Monmouth Street

Orla Kiely, 31 Monmouth Street

Keep an eye out for a passageway that leads you into the hippie oasis of Neal’s Yard and emerge onto Short’s Gardens, where you can sample some 200 cheeses at the world-famous Neal’s Yard Dairy.

Neal’s Yard Diary, 17 Shorts Gardens

After exploring Neal Street, bear left onto Long Acre and walk over to Great Queen Street for some robust British fare, taking in the Art Deco Freemason’s Hall opposite – it serves as the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England.

Freemason’s Hall, 60 Great Queen Street

Head back down Long Acre and bear left into Bow Street which is dominated by the impressive façade of the Royal Opera House.

Royal Opera House, Bow Street

As you turn into Floral Street, look up and you’ll spot the twisting glass Bridge of Aspirations, designed by architects Wilkinson Eyre, which connects the Royal Ballet School with the Opera House.

Bridge of Aspirations

Pick up some treats at Kastner & Ovens as you stroll down Floral Street en route to the Paul Smith store.

Kastner & Ovens, 52 Floral Street

Paul Smith, 40-44 Floral Street

As Floral Street ends you’ll find Covent Garden’s oldest pub, the Lamb & Flag.

Lamb & Flag, 33 Rose Street

After a quick pint, head down James Street into the Piazza, the heart of Covent Garden, designed by Inigo Jones in the 17th century. Formerly a vegetable market, the space now hosts lots of craft and food stalls, boutiques and street entertainers.

Covent Garden Market

After a refreshing frozen yoghurt at Yu-foria, visit the London Transport Museum or head down Russell Street to Drury Lane and Aram, which, in the 60s, first brought furniture by the likes of Marcel Breuer and Le Corbusier to the uk.

Yu-foria, 19 The Market

London Transport Museum, 39 Wellington Street

Aram, 110 Drury Lane

If you’re feeling thirsty, grab a seat at the brilliant Lobby Bar at One Aldwych or head underground to CellarDoor, where you’ll discover drag queens and cabaret crooners in this former Gents toilet.

One Aldwych, 1 Aldwych

Cellar Door, Zero Aldwych

Cross over the Strand and finish your tour at Somerset House – a spectacular spot for ice skating in winter or al fresco drinks and music on the River Terrace in summer.”

Somerset House, Strand

This extract was taken from page 75 of London Design Guide. To enjoy similar tours of other areas in London complete with maps, why not order a copy of the guide?

The Victoria and Albert Museum is launching the first V&A Summer Camp – a free, two day celebration of design. The event incorporates both late night and family activities with the aim of sharing design knowledge and skills.

V&A SUMMER CAMP 2010

Friday 30th July: 18.30-22.00

Saturday 31st July: 13.00-17.00

Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL (020 7942 2000)

A derivative of the ‘V&A Village Fete’ of previous years, the Summer Camp involves a range of daytime activities in combination with the nocturnal revelry of ‘Friday Late’. The museum is hosting all-day workshops, talks, performances and participatory events presented by a range of designers, artists and makers.

Such designers include Peter Marigold and Markus Bergstrom, who are on hand to offer advice on how to devise and create furniture.

Toy designer Tony Hayward is showing visitors how to design their own take-away toy.

The ‘Typography Summer School’ is holding a discursive critique where any item featuring print can be brought along for exploration. Other ‘tents’ pitched around the museum aim to celebrate self-reliance and resourcefulness, with opportunities to make, repair, play, learn new hobbies and gather and swap skills.

Friday night features a night of balladry, ghostly tales and clog dancing. To accompany these events, the 2010 Serpentine Pavilion is hosting a one night sleepover exploring ideas of sleep mapping and the psychedelic qualities of insomnia. This is reviewed through talks, films, experiments and a midnight feast staged within the Pavilion.

Saturday highlights family-orientated pursuits, including a costume workshop for children and Morris dancing lessons, amongst many other activities.