Design Museum

It was probably a case of excessive expectations – I must have walked past the impressive white modern building on the river bank in Butler’s Wharf (gentrified ex-industrial area now full of trendy companies and chic cafes) a dozen times before actually visiting it.

This is a review of the general exhibition space on the top floor and not the visiting exhibition areas.

I was expecting to hear the story of product design in the UK, maybe the changing aesthetic in a few products; the influence of materials technology; a view on current trends and some interactive exhibits.

What I got was a few items (50?), artfully arranged in the expected all-white room. They were out of touch behind glass or roped-off, each with a couple of short paragraphs in affected design-speak. It was a really odd selection of items with no attempt to cover any particular area comprehensively, nor to put things in any historical place.

There were a few exhibits where you could watch some video though, and you could press at least 10 buttons – does that count as interactive?

I have read some glowing reviews of this museum, and all I can say is they must have a lot more patience and interest in whacky items than I have (who needs a dog-powered respirator)

On the bright side, it is a great location with good views of London. The cafe is reasonable (and you don’t have to pay the entrance fee to use it). The shop is full of really interesting design books and odd-ball gifts.

I visited the Centre on 1 May 2006 and have many words to describe the farcical experience - craptastic, inherently lacklustre and as my normally spritely companion stated (who was overcome with lethargy mid way into the exhibit), overwhelmingly underwhelming.

Two levels holding an incoherent slap dash of chairs, discarded bicyles and album covers. Had I entered a crackhouse used by Ikea designer dropouts or what proudly annouces itself as the worlds first 20th century design museum?

I would have gained greater insight into the world of design watching MTV in four day old underwear. And kept my L20.

Granted, one exhibit was closed for installation the day I visited the museum. However, I got in at a discounted price because of that. But if you're going to galleries you're bond to run into a couple that are closed for installation. The areas that were open were a lot of fun--the exhibit was for Designer of the Year-- and unlike many galleries and museums in London, you can take pictures. In the permanant display, I even found the original Atari I played with as a kid! To make the most of your visit, check the website, www.designmuseum.org, to see what shows are up.