Week 2 welcoming at 'New' Design Museum and Well Done to new Turner Prize Winner

New Design Museum- Steady stream condition now 

Last Friday morning I was on welcoming duties at Kensington High Street's Design Museum- happy to report a very steady stream of visitors - many of them encouraged by the chance to see 'Free' collection.


I've not yet had a good chance to look around the Museum partly because we've not got any passes but also because after a shift I'm wanting to have a sit down!

A budding designer perhaps?

And that roof is iconic (almost)

Congratulations to Helen Marten

It's good news for Helen Marten - who it was announced yesterday has won the Turner Prize for 2016 - Helen gave a great acceptance speech and as she's already won one prize (The Hepworth) has decided to share the £25,000.

Here's some pictures of her work that was recently at The Serpentine - Hoping for more great stuff from her.

Helen Headlining

Reminds me of a Record Player

A trademark work from this year's Turner Prize Winner - Helen Marten 

2016 Turner prize shortlist at Tate Britain and Red 17

As promised a bit more on the  shortlist for this years Turner Prize ( I had a picture  of part of Josephine Pryde's work  a few days ago), I think the lineup is better than 2014.

To me it seems like a good bunch of work with the entrants being 3 women and one man with a bit of bias towards artists from the North of England - The Tate seems to be keeping faith with a fair(er) representation for women artists.

Helen's work included this - reminiscent of a Doll's House?

Not so long ago I mentioned Helen Marten (showing at Serpentine Sackler) and it's true to say that the work she has on show is engaging and intriguing but (to me) a little too 'craft orientated.

[Helen hails from Macclesfield.]


Anthea Hamilton had work on show that hinted at Magritte - particularly the June sky and the Brick suit against the Brick wall paper - the work that's getting the media coverage is 'the bum' originally conceived as a building entry (I think).

Made me think of Rene

An odd idea but great for selfies

The final artist was the single short-lised male entrant he's Michael Dean and his work about UK Poverty was probably the most arresting item on show - Michael's from Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Michael Dean's take on UK poverty definition a lot of pennies  

Finally the comments from the public  on the entrants  are a work too - here's one that caught my eye.

A view of some merit perhaps

Red 17

I don't know -do we still have to call them Boris Bikes?

A display of 'Red' biking perspective in Kensington,  West London

Helen Marten at Serpentine Sackler and Red 24

A touch of the Hamiltons

As promised a quick view on Helen Marten at Serpentine Gallery - the exhibition is called Drunk Brown House and it makes great use of the space in the Sackler Gallery.


As was noted in the blurb there's references to Richard Hamilton in the work but there's also some feminism mixed in there.

The exhibition is well staged and I like the use of the space but it doesn't excite (my) emotions.


It seems that Helen Marten works with others and there's certainly plenty of craft and skill on show.

Reminded me of a record turntable

London's Serpentine Galleries - check 'em out. 

Red 24

Of course kids love primary colours (who doesn't?)

Bright colours are inviting