Serpentine Gallery

On a recent visit to London for an internship interview I went to visit the Serpentine Summer Pavilion 2013 by Sou Fujimoto in Kensington Gardens. The pavilion is made from hundred of thin white poles that interconnect and extend at different lengths. You can stand at different levels and its it partially see through because of the poles. 

Cambridge University Botanical Gardens

On staying with my grandparents for a few days we visited the gardens because they are a favourite of my mothers who is a garden designer. Because of my mothers occupation I have been to many gardens and I love the variety you find in botanical gardens. 

Large expanse of wild grasses and tall trees, rose gardens, prim and proper flower beds and green houses full of plants and trees with origins from all over the world.

I have also been to the Oxford one but the Cambridge one is much larger and more diverse. 

The Hepworth Gallery, Wakefield

On the first May bank holiday Monday my family came to visit me from York and we took a trip to the Hepworth in Wakefield.

It was lovely weather outside and luckily for us this reflected through the new concrete structure via its huge windows, placed throughout the building.

Below is a picture looking out onto the canal with my brothers silhouette against it. It is a big 'boxy' building which has controversial reviews from locals and others. Personally I think it rather attractive. 

The concrete is a dark grey and stands out against its back drop of old factory buildings, but there is something soothing and relaxing about it. 

The interior is very calm which adds to the relaxing feeling. Tall gallery spaces with clean white walls leave a blank canvas for the art in each space. It's a large cool void which is an escape from the outside world so you can be immersed in the art of various genres. 

The art housed within is questionable though, and not really to my taste. It varies from sculptures seen below, to old sofas with neon paint thrown over the covers. Barbara Hepworth's collection takes over 3 gallery spaces and is the only permanent exhibit. 

Presentation boards for The Royal Ontario Museum, Canada

For the Building Tech module at University, we had to find a museum or gallery , research it and make boards which we presented to the class. I chose the Royal Ontario Museum in Ontario, Canada designed by Daniel Libeskind. Here are mine.

 

 

 

 

Turtle Bay, Nottingham

While in Nottingham over the weekend seeing a school friend, we went to this Caribbean inspired restaurant. As you would expect, it was packed, giving of the ambience of a true caribbean shack restaurant on a beach.


We ordered cocktails and a 'one pot' each.

The design was totally Caribbean. Wood flooring with mirrored walls covered by metal netting. A metal frame work above to create the effect of a shack. The food was served in battered white pots and on blanks of wood. The food was very good with lots if coconut and spices.

Metropol Parasol, Sevilla

All my own photos. Taken at the beginning of the Easter holidays on a family trip to the south of Spain.
I have wanted to see this since I saw it on Deezen lazy year. I hadn't expected to be able to walk on the top of it, which was a massive bonus.

Above is the logo for the parasol. I love how it is just a simple squiggle almost, but conveys the parasol perfectly.

It's shame that the underneath of the parasol is dirty and full of graffiti. Even the cafe did not look inviting. Maybe it's different at the height of summer, as it was the rainy season when I was there and the first day of sun for almost a week. But I was a little disappointed, on blogs and in articles where I have seen it, it has always looked full of life.

Southern Spain during Semana Santa (Holy week)

Palm Sunday in Ronda. The first procession

This Easter holiday I went with my family to Southern Spain; Ronda, Seville and Granada. It was Holy week, so I had expected to see a lot of processions, but I hadn't expected it to be so amazing! The costumes worn by the people in the processions were so detailed, each one hand made. And the floats were stunning. Each were carried throughout the towns or city where the parish is based for up to 12 hours, and the floats can weigh tons!!

Float dedicated to Mary Mother of God

Purple Penitents

A float being carried through the center of Granada

Mini penitent - Granada

D&AD Awards 2013. My entry for the Holiday Inn brief

See link to watch video on my Vimeo account
https://vimeo.com/63155039

Staircase research for final 2nd year project 'What If'.

For my final project of the year, my concept is 'what if Smeg made bread?' As Smeg is an Italian brand, I thought I could take it back to it's routes. The space we have to deal with is in Manchester's Northern Quarter. Quite a independent and bustling area of the city, a quirky, yet smart and fresh bakery would fit in perfectly.

We have to use at least two floors of the building, so a staircase (and lift) are needed. I would like mine to be glass and seamless, to fit in with some of Smeg's brand qualities of well built and sophistication.

Own photo

Wagamama's in York. I like how this staircase is supported by just one column, seen below. I also like how it is not flush against the wall, almost free standing. I want my staircase to not have any banisters, just glass panels, to add an air of sophistication and simplicity.

Own photo.

Own photo.

The above photo is from the Science Museum which I visited in London last week with my family. I like how the handrail on the wall seems to be floating, and the stainless steel is attractive. I also think the wooden grooving on the wall is interesting, it would definitely fit within the theme I plan to have in my bakery. 

Burberry's new flagship store, Regent Street, London

While in London last week I went to find this amazing store. About 2 weeks previously I was in London with my boyfriend, and we failed miserably to find it, looking in Bond Street instead of Regent. But I found it on the next visit. It is HUGE! I read in ELLE Decoration that it has 24  staircases! Ridiculous. But I was in awe. It really is a rabbit warren. You can go up and up and up, and there are assistants dressed in black carrying iPad's everywhere. Every space has a taupe sofa for the customers to recline on, matching the dark stained wood and pristine white, it truly is the height of luxury.

I've always been a fan of Burberry's sophistication. The macs are such an iconic piece, not just the fashion world, but every other world. Although I'm not too keen on the metallic pink, blue and yellow macs, seen in the last photo..

Own photo

The very impressive and beautifully simple door way.

Own photo.

Own photo

William Wegman + ACNE

Swedish brand ACNE have teamed up with William Wegman to showcase their new items. Wegman is well known for using his Wiemaraners to help exhibit various works. They create such a great back drop, that instantly adds character to the pieces the dogs are wearing.

These pictures are hilarious! They convey such humor without it obviously being funny. The expressions on the dogs faces add to this - boredom. As if they do it every day and its a chore.

 Pictures courtesy of Vogue.

A stop motion video about me!

The start of the video!

 

One of my paintings

 I decided to make a stop motion video of things that I love. For example; friends, family, art, design and the family's black lab Milo!

Beautiful design pieces.. a paddle.

 Watch the video here... https://vimeo.com/61465628

And again.

Shop signage in Dublin

I love the simplicity of this sign, and the irregularity of the lighting behind the letters. Such a shame that the signage above the shop doesn't work..

KC Peaches Cafe & Delicatessen

 This a chilled cafe we went for breakfast one morning while in Dublin. Lots of fresh food to take out or eat in. They didn't mind that we stayed for over an hour and only ordered coffee and smoothies.. I love the high ceilings and the array of Tom Dixon lamps used flanking each side.

Uber funky Tom Dixon lights.

Architecture in Dublin, January 2013

 Last week I went with my boyfriend to Dublin, Ireland. I had never been Ireland before, and I fell in love with the city. It felt like a town, so very different to any of the large cities in England. Everyone was very friendly and it seemed to have a very strong community, like you would have in a small village.

The coffee shop inside the National Gallery of Ireland

National Museum of Ireland

Facade of a shop on Grafton Street

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Christmas decorations

 Every Christmas, when we put the decorations up, we have some Norwegian additions (from my Norwegian cousins and Uncle). You put them around the house, in not always obvious places. Nissa are Norwegian folklore figures used to keep you safe - if you keep them safe! We have always had them at Christmas, so they are a staple decoration at home.