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Opened in 1989, the Design Museum
was the first in the world devoted to the design of mass produced
objects.
The museum was founded by Sir
Terence Conran, who set up the Boilerhouse design project
at the Victorian
and Albert Museum. When the V&A decided
not to make this permanent, Conran turned his attention to
Butler's Wharf.
The museum is housed in a sparkling
white building that was originally a 1950s warehouse, which
was converted to a modern style by architects Conran Roche.
The building's elegant facade has views of the River Thames
and Tower Bridge.
Its stark and spacious interior
is the setting for its collection of innovative design.
There are Temporary and Exhibition
Galleries, where a number of shows are held each year. These
exhibitions of international design provide a taste of what
may become familiar in the future.
The
Collection and Review Galleries are arranged by theme, looking
at the design of mass production and concentrate on a number
of different types of product. The section devoted to
cars includes a wooden model made up from a 1928 drawing by
the designer and architect Le Corbusier. The gallery
also takes a look at objects such as tableware, telephones,
radio and TV sets, washing machines and office equipment.
The furniture here includes a chair by Rennie Mackintosh.
Temporary shows are sometimes held in the Collection Gallery.
The top floor is given over to
contemporary design, recent exhibitions have featured Nike
trainers and an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish.
The shop offers good gift ideas
and a selection of books.
The Blueprint Café on the first
floor has a balcony with a great view over the Thames, good
at night when the river is lit up.
Admission charge
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