By Design, a series of talks created hosted by the Sir John Soane Museum and curated by rug designer Luke Irwin, is returning for its fourth series. Running throughout the summer, Luke invites a key player in the design industry to join a discussion with Will Gompertz, former Arts Editor at the BBC, and Alice Rawsthorn, design writer and critic. The designers share their personal approaches through the discussion of one of the museum’s many compelling objects.
'I’ve always been fascinated by the design process of makers in different fields - to understand common ground as well as differences,’ says Luke. As a setting, the home of the legendary neoclassical architect Sir John Soane is certainly an appropriate one. Soane celebrated the coming together of all forms of creativity, and his Holborn home acted as a space where art, design and architecture could be celebrated.
Last year saw an impressive list of designers join the conversation: Among them was House & Garden Top 100 Interior Designer Martin Brudnizki, who talked about the importance of architectural details, using those found in the museum as examples.
The new series includes talks with guests such as interior designer Emily Todhunter of design studio Todhunter Earle. Alongside her co-founder Kate Earle, Emily creates deeply sophisticated interiors, which much like those of the Soane museum, combine colours, styles and interesting antique and contemporary objects.
Next month sees contemporary multimedia artist Alvaro Barrington and lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe take to the stage. Patrick is the co-founder of Woodroffe Bassett Design, which is responsible for lighting up some of the most recognisable of settings, from the O2 Arena, Highgrove House and the famous Vanity Fair Oscar party in Los Angeles. For anyone interested in how lighting can affect a space - whether large or small - this one is not to be missed.
A truly magnificent and inspiring way to spend an evening, we recommend arriving early and taking some time to explore the intriguing architecture and impressive art collection belonging to the historic house.
Though the seating is limited to only 40 people, all of the talks are recorded and will be available to listen to through the Soane website, including this season’s inaugural talk: garden designer Tom Stuart Smith in conversation with Alice Rawsthorn.
Tickets cost £30 and are on sale now at Soane.org
