Hands On: Design Brought to Life

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An idyllic Edwardian parlour is transplanted into a twenty-first century gallery space and opened up to the street, exposing the enchanting interior to the passing crowds. This London Design Festival, studioXAG and University of the Arts London invite you to step in to the new Arts Gallery, remodelled as a fantastical shoebox house. The doors open on 16 September. A childhood daydream comes to life as studioXAG create an eccentric doll's house drawing room scaled up to adult size. The plate glass wall of the gallery reveals a design aficionado's tea party, replete with the quirkiest new design objects. Accept the genteel invitation to this private party and the spectator unwittingly becomes a player in this fanciful domestic scene. Inside this topsy-turvy setting Hektor Mamet's disobedient Leaning Chair reclines casually against the wall, refuting its practical purpose, while David Clarke's impish Gore Blimey spoons appear to be literally stirring up mischief. Witty Drip Teas & Lip Tease teacups by Reiko Kaneko lure you in with the promise of refreshment before revealing their 24 carat gold shadows of lipstick and tea drips, hinting at previous users. Unsettling the nostalgic delight of the scene, a giant pair of hands hang pendulously above the room, a very fitting motif for an exhibition in which handcraft is the star of the show. studioXAG use craft materials to meticulously replicate the interior architecture, from the traditional fireplace and floorboards, to sash windows complete with shutters. The fittings play with scale and materials to surreal effect.