DECEMBER DESIGN DIARY 2023
The festive season is here, and we’re giving you the gift of a Design Diary filled with the best events and exhibitions from across the UK this month. Here’s our guide to what to do in the design world throughout December, across fashion, textiles, architecture, gaming, fashion, jewellery and more.
OSMAN YOUSEFZADA
CHARLESTON, FIRLE
Osman Yousefzada is known for his iconic large-scale textile pieces, an incredible collection of which are on display alongside prints and drawings at Charleston in Firle until March 2024. The British-born South Asian artist explores the representation of working class migration experience, engaging with its rupture and re-imagining.
MAKERVERSITY: DESIGNING FOR THE REAL WORLD
UNTIL 4 FEBRUARY 2024
SOMSERSET HOUSE
With the aim of looking towards the future of design and how we can make a better world, this exhibition at Somerset House explores the potential of design for radical social and environmental change. Makerversity: Designing for the Real World features a live workshop space and gives a unique insight into the world of innovative creative design.
GENETIC AUTOMATA
WELLCOME COLLECTION
UNTIL 11 FEBRUARY 2024
This ongoing body of video works by Larry Achiampong and David Blandy investigates race and identity in the context of avatars, videogames and DNA ancestry. Visit the exhibition to discover four films which intricately examine the origins of deeply rooted ideas about race and the influence of scientific advancements in shaping these perceptions.
MATERIAL POWER – PALESTINIAN EMBROIDERY
THE WHITWORTH, MANCHESTER
24 NOVEMBER 2023 – 7 APRIL 2024
‘Material Power’ traces the evolution of embroidery in Palestine over the past 100 years – from its roots as a rich village tradition, through its adaptation to modernity, to its politicisation and commodification in more recent times. In the last 75 years, embroidery has become a powerful symbol of resistance, embodying both personal and national resilience.
REBEL: 30 YEARS OF LONDON FASHION
THE DESIGN MUSEUM
UNTIL 11 FEBRUARY 2024
This ground-breaking exhibition stands as one of the most extensive explorations of contemporary fashion culture ever presented in the UK. It provides an unparalleled glimpse into the processes of forging careers in fashion and highlights the myriad opportunities available to young creatives within London’s dynamic fashion scene.
ARCHITECTURE ON STAGE
BARBICAN
UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2023
Be at the forefront of the latest architectural thinking in this exciting series of talks, held in one of London’s most important architectural landmarks. The series includes debates and discussions of current notions and issues impacting architecture and urbanism in the present day.
TARTAN
V&A DUNDEE
UNTIL 14 JANUARY 2024
This exhibition is a celebration of one of the world’s most iconic textiles and its enduring legacy. Explore over 300 fascinating objects which embody the timeless appeal and rebellious spirit of tartan.
US AT WORK – JEWELLERY SHOWCASE
FLOW GALLERY
UNTIL 31 JANUARY 2024
This significant showcase at Flow Gallery presents the work of jeweller Romilly Saumarez Smith alongside the practices of her translators, charting the distinct approaches between their work.
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