THE FUTURE PERFECT COMPANY
The Future Perfect Company supports and promotes creative businesses and has a focus on ageing through its flagship student design project, Designing for the Future.
Founded by former lawyer, Philippa Aldrich in 2009, the company has run the Designing for the Future project for hundreds of UK design students and supported many graduates and start up creative businesses through the DFF Network.
Alison Lapper – new exhibition focussing on mental health
I have been very fortunate to be working recently with the remarkable artist, Alison Lapper OBE on the Enable project with Jem Ryan at the University of Brighton. Alison has an upcoming exhibition - "Out of our Minds" - at the Hackney Picture House in Mare Street this month where alongside artists Albert Laszlo Haines and Gerald O'Dowd, she is exploring issues around mental health. "Out of our Minds" aims to bring an end to the stigma of those surviving with mental health conditions, finding ways to heal and help each other by putting the spotlight on mental health recovery
2019 – Exciting year for DFF and MAF artists & makers
Our Designing for the Future and Michael Aldrich Foundation artists and makers had an exceptional year in 2019: Brighton artist and ceramist Jack Durling, has had work stocked at galleries in Hove and London, completed an amazing collaborative art project with Blind Veterans UK, exhibited at Designer | Maker | Artist | Poet and at various art fairs throughout the country. And he has been chosen as one of the Craft Council's selected makers for the Hothouse 2020 programme. Designer Tom Meades successfully launched the first GOMI recycled plastic speakers, exhibited at Designer | Maker | Artist | Poet, created 50
Tommy Sissons
As part of this Summer's community art event, Designer | Maker | Artist | Poet, the Michael Aldrich Foundation commissioned poet, Tommy Sissons to write a poem about plastic pollution to complement designer, Tom Meades' work with the Saturday Fashion Club. Tommy Sissons is an award-winning poet, lyricist, playwright and educator. Shortlisted for the 2018 Outspoken Award for poetry and winner of the 2014 Slambassadors national slam champion, he was first runner-up in the 2016 Roundhouse Poetry Slam and a two-time regional Hammer and Tongue slam champion. Having performed in venues across Europe, he is the poet-in-residence of Channel 4's
Recycling plastic with National Saturday Club
As part of my new role with the Michael Aldrich Foundation, last weekend was spent at the Saturday Fashion Club at the University of Brighton turning plastic waste into beautiful fashion accessories. The Saturday Fashion Club has been running for 12 years and is part of the National Saturday Club founded by designers John and Frances Sorrell. The Club has developed significantly over the years and now works with 14 to 16-year olds who attend local partner secondary schools who may not come from traditional university backgrounds – being the first generation in the family to access HE or living in
Launch of Enabled – a new design for disability project
I was delighted to be invited back to the University of Brighton this week to take part in the launch of a new project, Enabled, to 3D Design & Craft students. This project, which being run by Course Leader, Jem Ryan: "aims to address the disability divide through thoughtful research, listening, design and making". I was able to share insights from the Designing for the Future project and it was interesting to reflect on the various ideas and products which have come out of DFF over the years. I am keen to see how this new module develops and will
Artist Jack Durling at Handmade in Kew
I had the pleasure of visiting Handmade at Kew this week, an exciting event in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens which features work from over 150 international and UK-based contemporary artists showcasing gorgeous textiles, jewellery, ceramics, glass and furniture. The talent this year is extraordinary. Exhibitors include DFF alumnus, Jack Durling who is showing a selection of his ceramics and paintings. His work just gets better and better and his latest collection, Adrift, is stunning. The event is on until Sunday 7 October. More details here : https://www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk/events/handmade-at-kew-2/