As the Olympics and the Jubilee draw closer there is an ever increasing sense of patriotism and British pride emulating from all around. The V&A are marking the event in their own intriguing way by staging a major exhibition entitled 'British Design 1948 - 2012: Innovation In The Modern Age' which will open it's doors at the end of the month. In a nation which now imports more than it exports, it's good to look back at some amazing moments in British design which have shaped the way we all live our lives.
The first time Britain hosted the Olympics was back in 1948 in a war-torn and economically challenged country. It became known as 'The Austerity Games', this marks the starting point of the V&A's exhibition and looks at buildings, objects, images and ideas from designers and artists who were born, trained or based in Britain up until this point in time when we are facing a similar challenge hosting the games in an age of austerity although admittedly, on a tiny scale in comparison with before.
The show will be spilt into three different galleries, entitled 'Tradition and Modernity', 'Subversion' and 'Innovation and Creativity' representing the shifting nature of 60 years of design.
On Sunday, The Observer ran a feature on British Design where six design figureheads revealed their favourite piece of iconic British Design.
James Dyson chose the Mini, the British version of the Italian Fiat 500 and the French Citroen 2CV, it soon became Britain best-selling car.
David Bailey chose gaffer tape, believing that it's the second thing you should buy after a good camera if you are in the photography game.
Zandra Rhodes is a fan of the pillow ceramics she commissioned to Carol McNicoll, she thinks that beauty ages whereas good design lasts.
Richard Rogers nominated the Brompton Bike as his object, because it is flexible and robust and a good tool for living.
Barabara Hulanicki chose the Dyson for its great design and quirky edge, tying in typical British practicality with eccentricity.
Ron Arad nominated the Anglepoise lamp, designed by British car designer George Carwardine who was an expert on suspension.
It's a good year to be British. What is your favourite piece of British design? Mine would be Batternberg cake, created in honour of the marriage in 1884 of Queen Victoria's granddaughter to Prince Louis of Battenberg.
Jessica Hazel
V&A Website
Writer, blogger and director of Smoking Gun Vintage
http://creativepool.co.uk/jessicahazel
