Entering the Victoria and Albert Museum I walked into the John Madejski garden expecting to see the towering chair arch by Wallpaper magazine. From a distance I thought I’d got what I was looking for, but atlas it turned out to be a toddler under the arch, and perspective playing tricks.

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After taking a hiatus for ten years, illustrious illustrator Miles. D came down to the
Working Title office, kicked back and whipped out these little gems.

If like me you have found yourself visiting 100% on the last day of design week or have scheduled an hour to trawl the contents of Earls Court two, then there are three things that you must see before you leave- all doable in ten minutes.

10 Minutes
If you haven’t already seen… from UCA the home made rotational moulding machine, a reaction to the way in which materials and processes are taught by two recent graduates, Andrew Duffy and Craig Tyler. Powered by a power drill, it’s a nod to the Heath Robinson types amongst us. Already exhibited earlier this year at new designers they are ‘on tour’ shortly exhibiting in both Birmingham and Newcastle. Watch this space…

7 Minutes
Give new materials a squeeze and Chris Lefteri’s 100% Materials stand. My favourites are #1123, #1002, #92. 150 new materials on show without the hard sell.

5 Minutes
On the way out pop into ‘Ten’, a group of 10 designers who annually exhibit at 100%. This year they tackle the ‘sustainability issue’, using digital processes to re invent used materials. The results are eclectic but considerate. Not a whiff of shabby chic!

…Home time.

Text: Laura Hasting

Truman Brewery, brick lane: it has become a very sellable brand, having been tweeted the shit out of by Rachel Isherwood, tagged all over the place. Tent has always been a nice little package, promising a variety of stuff for all to see, but to me it has never really gelled, seeming somewhat disparate.

Here is my selection of stuff from Tent.
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Image By David Wilson

As part of their curation of 100% Design this year, Jamie from Jam asked a bunch of his friends if they could contribute in some way. Amongst those asked was cycling obsessive Richard from SUSD who put two and two together: 100% Design is in the “Brompton” area, and there exists a famous foldable bike of the same name. And that is how the “Brompton Bicycle Tour” was born.

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Over sixties are emerging as the latest market for the Super Soaker; (the large water pistol with pump action). The squirting action is fast becoming a household item amongst senior citizens as the method of choice for moving on neighbourhood cats from flower beds and seagulls perched on rooftops. The Super Soaker turns out to be an effective alternative for watering a variety of pot plants. “It was Hettie from across the road who one got first” explained Edna Whittle, 79 from Brighton, who went on joke; “Well I was never allowed one as girl…”

Text: Lorna Robertson
Image: Catriona Robertson