Lavender Labels
This LGBTQ+ History Month, we are taking a closer look at our Lavender Labels, a stand-out addition to our Scottish Design Galleries.
This LGBTQ+ History Month, we are taking a closer look at our Lavender Labels, a stand-out addition to our Scottish Design Galleries.
An international conference expanding the thinking from our now closed exhibition, Tartan.
The Dundee Tapestry tells over 35 unique stories from the city. We caught up with Andrew Crummy to find out more.
We caught up with John Fyffe MBE, of the Weaver Incorporation of Dundee, to learn more about The Dundee Tapestry project. From bringing the idea to life, gathering over 140 volunteer stitchers to all 35 finished panels being on display here in the museum.
When you think of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, you most likely think of high energy highland dancing or the stirring sounds of the Massed Pipes and Drums. But have you ever considered the role of uniforms and costumes within the Show?
Our Communities Producer, Peter Nurick, explores how design and healthcare can be woven together.
We caught up with Rocky, owner of USA Kilts, to find out what tartan means to him and how the unique textile has inspired him to create USA Kilts
We caught up with Howie Nicholsby of 21st Century Kilts to talk all about the iconic kilt he made for Sir Billy Connolly as part of the 2019 NYC Tartan Day Parade.
Last chance to see – Tartan is on show until 14 January 2024.
Sir Billy Connolly shares his thoughts with V&A Dundee on his mother’s tartan, the rebellious act of kilt-wearing…. and cauld bums.
Fast fashion is a waste crisis which is having a detrimental impact on our planet. Amy and Ella from Kids Against Plastic dig deeper into the fashion industry and explore how we can take action and make positive change. Read on to find out more.
Our LGBTQ+ Working Group have added a series of Lavender Labels to the Scottish Design Galleries that explore queer stories connected to some of our objects. But why lavender? One of our advisors Keava McMillan delves into the queer history of purple to explore the meanings this colour holds for the LGBTQ+ community.
The cost of everything has gone up within the last few years, often forcing people to make difficult choices between saving their pennies or making positive changes to save the environment.
Andrew Batchelor of Dundee Culture recently visited our summer families programme, Sketch, Scribble + Style.
Sincerely, Valentines tells the story of Scotland’s most pioneering and successful commercial photographers, best known for popularising the holiday postcard on a global scale. Hear from Ishbel McLean, a former employee as she shares her memories working at Valentines.
As part of our decolonisation series, we take a closer look at the Jute industry. Sally explores the wider global history of the fabric.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy our exhibitions. As part of our digital access programme, we produced an audio described tour of ‘Night Fever: Designing Club Culture’ to bring the show to life in a different way.
Working during the pandemic has been a struggle for so many. While some have found new hobbies, others have rediscovered old ones to keep them busy. When our museum was closed, the only staff allowed in the building were our security team. We spoke to Neil, one of our security guards to tell us more about how he kept himself occupied during this unprecedented time and kept the team in touch with the museum.
In a specially commissioned poem for V&A Dundee, writer Shane Strachan takes inspiration from Bill Gibb's Tana dress and its cross-cultural roots.
For Faiza Djilani, fashion runs in the family; one particular object in the Scottish Design Galleries made her think of ancestral connections, as well as a newfound sense of identity.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. This month, Farzana explains how one of the galleries’ most dazzling objects sparked off a wealth of family memories.
سکاٹش ڈیزائنز آئیکنز چھوٹی اشیاء کی ایک سیریز ہے جو کہ سکاٹش ڈیزائن کے معروف ڈیزائنرز کو پیش کرتی ہے۔ اس ماہ، فرزانہ (Farzana) بیان کرتی ہیں کہ کس طرح گیلری کی چمک دار ترین اشیاء میں سے ایک نے خاندان کی خوبصورت یادوں کو جلا بخشی۔
We want everyone to be able to enjoy our exhibitions. As part of our digital access programme, we produced an audio described tour of 'Mary Quant' to bring the show to life in a different way.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. This month, Yanyang reflects on how one particular object takes her back to the stories of her childhood.
苏格兰艺术设计的典范通过一系列小文章展现了苏格兰独特而出色的艺术设计。
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. This month, Yan tells us how one particular object, the Oak Room, evokes powerful emotions for her. Read or listen below.
苏格兰艺术设计的典范是由一系列短小文章展示了苏格兰独特而出色的艺术品。这个月,由夏燕给我们讲述一件特别的展品--- 橡木厅,是如何给她带来震撼并深深沉浸其中的。
Almost 20 years ago, broadcaster Edi Stark interviewed Mary Quant in London. From making her own clothes out of a bedspread as a child to starting a fashion revolution and beyond, Quant answers Edi’s revealing questions. We caught up with Edi recently and asked her about this fantastic conversation.
This talk was recorded in July 2020.
This talk was recorded in January 2019
This short film reveals how a major lost work by Scotland’s most famous designer was brought back to life more than 100 years later.
This talk was recorded on 18 February 2020
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. Becca Clark reflects on the drama and impact of Bruce McLean's work, beautifully conveyed in his jug on display in our galleries.
The time between taking down one exhibition and putting up the next is one of the busiest for our Exhibitions team as they work behind-the-scenes to bring the next show to life. Helen talks us through the process.
2023 is coming to an end so we wanted to share our top moments of the year! What's been you favourite moment? Let us know ☺️
We caught up with Nicole Giacomantonio, textile conservator and artist, to find out more about her practice and involvement in working on our Tartan exhibition, mounting textiles objects. Find out more below.
Our collaboration with Local Heroes celebrates and supports Scottish designers. In this series, you'll meet the designers behind these beautiful products and the cargo bikes that house them.
Complementing the incredible views over River Tay, Tatha’s passion for place is expressed through creative, innovative materials and a celebration of Scottish design.
Lice in the pugger's land
This talk was recorded on 11 March 2020
This talk was recorded on 26 February 2020
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. This month, Claire explores Glaswegian and Arthurian legend through the work of illustrator Jessie M. King.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. Stuart takes a closer look at the Forth Bridge and reflects on its dizzying position in Scotland’s consciousness.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. Russell Dornan draws out unexpected connections between a 1913 zoo plan and his own life.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. This month, Maryam Deeni shares how a small detail she spotted in the museum had a huge impact on her and her sense of self.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. In our very first one, Russell recalls playing the video game Lemmings 20 years ago.
Revealing, tight fitting and controversial, one of the first Speedo swimsuits caused moral outrage when it was first unveiled.
A 180-year-old Ayrshire christening robe was carefully cleaned by textile conservation experts before its display in our Scottish Design Galleries.
Sincerely, Valentines tells the story of Scotland’s most pioneering and successful commercial photographers, best known for popularising the holiday postcard on a global scale. Hear from Paul Cattigan, a former employee as he shares his memories working at Valentines.
The rise of plastic has not left the LGBTQIA+ community by the wayside. It’s hard not to see the appeal of plastic given all of its great qualities, opening up a world of expression and protest throughout history.
Christmas is said to be the most magical time of the year, but it is also the most wasteful time of the year. Jillian from Little Green Larder has all the tips to reduce your impact on the planet this Christmas.
Ian Banks from Dundee Contemporary Arts writes about the intertwining history of celluloid and cinema, a material with an explosive reputation.
Our exhibition 'Sincerely, Valentines' explores the history behind one of Dundee's most fascinating design success stories, Valentines. We caught up with curatorial duo Panel to find out more about the development of this show.
We caught up with founder of social enterprise Natla Jewellery Studio, Stephanie Graham, to chat more about her work, how design has impacted her practice and more. Read to find out more.
Andrew Batchelor of Dundee Culture recently visited our current exhibition, Plastic: Remaking Our World. Read on to find out about his experience.
Our Festive Design Market showcases the very best of Scottish design, this year along with Scottish makers we're showcasing the work of eight talented graduates from DJCAD. Find out who they are and more about their practice below.
Andrew Batchelor of Dundee Culture explores our Scottish Design Galleries with Davie, one of our amazing Visitor Assistants, to find out more about the Dundee connections within our galleries. Watch the video and read the article below.
Our Designer and Researcher in Residence, Harun Morrison, and local organisations have been exploring our Scottish Design Galleries to bring objects to life through fiction. Find out more about these workshops below.
Our Digital Learning Coordinator, Aiesha Duncan, explores the influences and religious significance behind Michael Clark's iconic 'I am Curious, Orange' performance.
With sustainability in design at the heart of this year's Daytrippers project, each of our collectible, limited edition souvenirs is made with a commitment to reducing waste and creating special products that will last for many summers to come. The Playtime Picnic Blanket by Camban Studio celebrates friendship, summertime and being outdoors. In this series, you'll meet the designers behind these distinctive products. Today, we chat with Fiona Hall of Camban Studio.
Be part of reinventing tartan’s story
With sustainability in design at the heart of this year's Daytrippers venture, we've commissioned two designers to create patterns for 4 different Furoshiki's, that celebrate friendship, summertime and being outdoors. Each is made in Scotland. In this series, you'll meet the designers behind these collectable products. Today, we chat with Ellen Martin of Ellen Martin Textiles.
With sustainability in design at the heart of this year's Daytrippers venture, we've commissioned two designers to create patterns for 4 different Furoshiki's, that celebrate friendship, summertime and being outdoors. Each is made in Scotland. In this series, you'll meet the designers behind these collectable products. Today, we chat with Manami Sakurai
Laurie Bassam, Curator and co-founder of our LGBTQ+ Working Group, reflects on the ongoing work the group are carrying out to identify queer objects within our Scottish Design Galleries and bring these stories to life.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pride Month, our LGBTQ+ Working Group explore the emergence of symbolic identity as a design language for the community
Curator Susanna Beaumont talked to us about Design for Our Times, a forward-thinking exhibition which offers sustainable solutions to overconsumption and material waste through the innovative work of selected designers based in Scotland.
The much-loved TV show Secrets of the Museum returns to our screens and iPlayer next week – and for the very first time will take viewers behind the scenes at V&A Dundee.
To celebrate our exhibition Michael Clark: Cosmic Dancer, writer Sarah Crompton looks backs at the career of dance legend Michael Clark, reflecting on his style and cult status.
Kate Coyne was a dancer in Michael Clark Company for over 15 years and until recently was its Associate Director.
From post-punk to Stravinsky, listen to the music that inspired and moved the maverick spirit of Michael Clark.
Get your fix of clubbing films this festive season as the iconic Ana Matronic shares her top 10 watch list of dance floor movie magic, from downtown edgy to all night raves. Grab your popcorn and settle in 🍿
In need of some serious inspiration to spruce up your reading list? Take a romp through the stories behind the world’s most iconic clubs and the characters that made them, as well as the origins of some of the most important movements in clubbing history with Ana Matronic’s ultimate clubbing reading list.
We asked dance floor icon Ana Matronic an impossible question: If you had to pick, what are your top 10 clubbing tunes? Read more to find out Ana's top picks and why she has included these unforgettable tunes in her all time favourites!
Can club design promote better mental health? A series of workshops by Clubber2Clubber, in collaboration with artists Saskia Singer, Ruth Lonsdale and Linsey McIntosh, explored what club spaces could look like if they were designed with clubbers' wellbeing in mind.
For Night Fever, Lady of the House and graphic designer Jenny Elliott collaborated to produce a new infographic, depicting influential female pioneers of electronic music.
Project participants August (they/them) from LGBT Youth Scotland and Leigh (she/her) from Front Lounge share their experience of co-designing and performing 'taboo' in the Night Fever space.
Designer Mickey Fenton talked to us about the board's development, and the inspiration provided by V&A Dundee's architecture and 'invisible geometries'
'taboo' is a performance co-designed by young people from across Dundee, developed and performed in V&A Dundee, inspired by the exhibition Night Fever: Designing Club Culture.
We reached out to Shweta Mistry, one of the many talented designers we've worked with as part of our Daytrippers project, and asked if she could share more about her design process and inspirations. From Indian Miniature Painting techniques to heritage pigments, find out more below.
This World AIDS Day, V&A Dundee’s LGBTQIA+ Group considers the role design can play in tackling public health crises, and what those designing campaigns have got right - and wrong - in the past.
Dr Bashabi Fraser offers a postcolonial review of transnationalism and appropriation, inspired by Shane Strachan's response to the work of designer Bill Gibb.
On the run up to our Festive Design Market, we talk to some of the exhibitors about their work, their inspirations and process. Hear from Jen Stewart, creator of NMARRA, about the role of nature and sustainability in her beautiful, bold jewellery pieces.
On the run up to our Festive Design Market, we talk to some of the exhibitors about their work, their inspirations and process. Hear from Jolene Guthrie, founder of Jo-AMI, about her cool, contemporary take on classic knitwear and building a Dundee-born fashion brand.
On the run up to our Festive Design Market, we talk to some of the exhibitors about their work, their inspirations and process. Hear from Eve Balashova as she describes the innovative sustainable process behind her beautiful 3D printed jewellery pieces.
On the run up to our Festive Design Market, we talk to some of the exhibitors about their work, their inspirations and process. Hear from Stefanie Cheong as she talks more about her sustainable jewellery.
On the run up to our Festive Design Market, we talk to some of the exhibitors about their work, their inspirations and process. Hear from Helen Greensmith as she explores the narrative and aesthetic behind her bold contemporary designs.
On the run up to our Festive Design Market, we talk to some of the exhibitors about their work, their inspirations and process. Hear from Marie-Alice Harel as she tells us more about the stories and inspirations found in her beautifully illustrated books.
On the run up to our Festive Design Market, we talk to some of the exhibitors about their work, their inspirations and process. Hear from Samantha Paton, founder of Isolated Heroes, as she explains what it was forging a path in the Scottish fashion industry as a Dundee brand.
How can new dialogues on design impact the places we live? Lee Johnstone responds to the concept of the 20-minute neighbourhood.
On the run up to our Festive Design Market, we talk to some of the exhibitors about their work, their inspirations and process. First up we hear from Rebecca Kaye, founder of Ploterre, as she explores the use of data visualisation to create her fascinating illustrations.
When a passion for the ‘danceably alternative’ met ‘Photoshop for Dummies’... DJ and artist David McLeish explores the homespun origins of Dundee indie club Felt and the unique visual identity that grew with it.
A new project seeks to shine a light on the pioneering women of club culture. Here, the team behind Lady of the House explain why their voices are so vital for understanding clubbing history – and why many have gone unheard for so long.
Our collaboration with Local Heroes celebrates and supports Scottish designers. In this series, you'll meet the designers behind these collectable products.
Our collaboration with Local Heroes celebrates and supports Scottish designers. In this series, you'll meet the designers behind these collectable products.
Our collaboration with Local Heroes celebrates and supports Scottish designers. In this series, you'll meet the designers behind these collectable products.
Run by Dundee-based charity Front Lounge, Kindred Clothing takes learners through the key stages of the garment production process, while teaching practical fashion photography skills and techniques to present themselves, their stories and their clothes.
Our collaboration with Local Heroes celebrates and supports Scottish designers. In this series, you'll meet the designers behind these collectable products.
Our collaboration with Local Heroes celebrates and supports Scottish designers. In this series, you'll meet the designers behind these collectable products.
Rick Banks is a graphic designer and typographer, and author of Clubbed: A Visual History of UK Club Culture. Here he shares his pick of ten key designs which helped shaped the story of club graphics.
Our collaboration with Local Heroes celebrates and supports Scottish designers. In this series, you'll meet the designers behind these collectable products.
Why society’s smallest members deserve a big slice of designers’ attention
From humble house parties to the heaving dancefloor of Paradise Garage, New York's club scene of the 1970s and 80s emerged from the city's LGBTQ+, Black and Latinx communities. Night Fever Assistant Curator Lauren Bassam traces the roots of today's DIY dance culture back to the pioneers who created their own spaces to party.
Ahead of our Scottish Design Galleries reopening on 1 July, we talk to our Curator Kirsty Hassard and Textile Conservator Elizabeth-Anne Haldane, about what happens behind the scenes on a gallery rotation.
The creators of LGBTQ+ arts, culture, heritage and enterprise magazine Somewhere: For Us tell us about the cover for their second issue, a special collaboration with Beano Studios - featuring V&A Dundee!
Aberdeen-based writer and performer Shane Strachan has long been captivated by Bill Gibb's creations; taking a journey from Fraserburgh, via 1970s London to 19th Century Persia, he explains how the Tana dress became his poetic muse.
We’re so excited to be open once again 🎉
Glasgow-based artist Chizu Anucha spoke to V&A Dundee about inspiration, the importance of representation, and his experience as a creative practitioner in Scotland.
The Glasgow-based mural team share their new billboard, and the Olympian inspiration behind it...
Young People’s Collective (YPC) members Aiesha, Catherine and Gareth talk about pioneers, fear of change, and the barriers that women in the music industry still face.
After the signs come down, what is design’s role in tackling gender-based violence and creating safe spaces?
As part of our decolonisation series, we take a closer look at the paisley pattern. Suchitra explores the historic critique of the revered Indian shawl and its British imitations.
Happy LGBT History Month! 🏳️🌈
We like celebrating everyone involved in making V&A Dundee a living, breathing museum. We saw this striking image of the museum alongside the RRS Discovery on social media and had to share it – it was too good not to! We reached out to the photographer, Marc, and asked if he could tell us more about his work.
Discover how fashion shows have uniquely adapted due to COVID-19 restrictions. Kirsty explores the creative and challenging design process behind Moschino's latest show.
As part of our decolonisation series, we take a closer look at the paisley pattern. Suchitra explores the representation of Indian shawls in literature, from Burns to Scott.
We like celebrating everyone involved in making V&A Dundee a living, breathing museum. When Gina sent us the painting she did of our now closed 'Mary Quant' exhibition, it felt like a fitting way end to show with us. Gina tells us more.
Quant’s playful cosmetics created the look of a new generation, the face of the Swinging Sixties
Explore Mary Quant’s impact on contemporary designers
Explore the collaborative relationship between maker and manufacturer with our expert panel
Step inside the world of '60s fashion retailing, transformed by Quant through her boutique Bazaar
As part of our decolonisation series, we take a closer look at the paisley pattern. Suchitra reflects on her own experience in India and the Scottish involvement in the evolution of this iconic motif.
What better way to understand Quant's iconic legacy than by hearing from someone who worked with her? In the video below, Heather Tilbury Phillips shares her memories of the charming personality behind the Mary Quant brand.
We’ve spent much of 2020 looking out of windows at a changing world. What better way to celebrate the festive season than by peering into Laura Sayers’ stunning paper windows for this year’s VADvent project?
We commissioned textile designer Laura Spring to design a family of surface patterns for our staff uniforms. Used across aprons, bags and scarves, the pieces were produced in collaboration with Halley Stevensons, the Centre for Advanced Textiles and Kalopsia Collective. Laura tells us more about herself and her process.
While we were pulling together our ‘Now Accepting Contactless’ exhibition over the summer, V&A South Kensington worked on their own project reflecting on the coronavirus outbreak. Brendan Cormier tells us all about chronicling everyday ‘objects’ suddenly charged with new urgency.
It's Halloween! 🎃 With the boundary between the living and the dead blurring on 31 October, our building and objects have become possessed 😱 Don't worry, they're super cute! We asked their illustrator Steven Learmonth questions about his process and love for Halloween 👻
Our show ‘Now Accepting Contactless’ explores the design response to the pandemic and how design can help us find a path through this new reality. Studio de Pass Montgomery created a beautiful exhibition design for us. We asked them a few questions about their process.
Skateboarding intrinsically focuses on moving through and manipulating space differently. This was explored in Interior & Environmental Design graduate Mickey Fenton’s V//ALLIE project. Using the area around V&A Dundee, Mickey explored how skateboarding can transform spaces and create a new social dynamic within our cities.
Costume maker Meridith Towne made stunning replica Quant pieces to support our Learning programme. Since COVID 19 means they can't be handled, Meridith explores her work online instead. Read about the challenges she faced when replicating these designs.
Costume maker Meridith Towne made stunning replica Quant pieces to support our Learning programme. Since COVID 19 means they can't be handled, Meridith explores her work online instead. Read about how she went about recreating vintage designs in a contemporary context.
Costume maker Meridith Towne made stunning replica Quant pieces to support our Learning programme. Since COVID 19 means they can't be handled, Meridith explores her work online instead. In the first of our three-part series, read about how Quant’s legacy informed her work.
This series usually celebrates creative responses to V&A Dundee, but having recently re-opened the museum during a pandemic, it feels right to celebrate two important groups of people who truly make V&A Dundee what it is: our Visitor Assistants and the people who visit us.
This series usually celebrates creative responses to V&A Dundee, but having recently re-opened the museum during a pandemic, it feels right to celebrate two important groups of people who truly make V&A Dundee what it is: our Visitor Assistants and the people who visit us.
Designed and handcrafted by KerrieALDO, the Dundee Raincoat pairs artisan skills and attention to detail with the original performance fabric, waxed cotton. Designer Kerrie takes us through her design process.
Ahead of our Mary Quant exhibition, we issued a call-out. We asked you to help us learn more about Mary Quant's impact in Scotland by sharing your memories of her iconic fashion. Take a look at some of the best stories you sent our way.
Adding colour and style to our streets and winding alleyways, Open/Close Dundee has provided vibrancy, drama and a reason to explore some of the less-visited areas of the city. Russell, the person behind the project, explores community involvement and what’s next.
Adding colour and style to our streets and winding alleyways, Open/Close Dundee has provided vibrancy, drama and a reason to explore some of the less-visited areas of the city. Russell, the person behind the project, explains how a painted door comes to be.
Adding colour and style to our streets and winding alleyways, Open/Close Dundee has provided vibrancy, drama and a reason to explore some of the less-visited areas of the city. Russell, the person behind the project, tells us how it all started.
We asked 3rd year Textile Design students to answer this question by creating textiles inspired by Quant’s sixties’ rebellion. Tara presents the finished pieces and explores the designers’ approach to the project.
Crucial aspects of Scotland’s history are underpinned by the exploitation of enslaved and colonised people around the world. As we invite you to join us on the journey of decolonising our museum, we want to explain how we’re doing it and why it’s vital.
Documenting the Webcomics project
Signwriter Rachel E. Millar was set to lead an exciting course at the museum in March. Unfortunately, it had to be postponed, so we asked her to write a sign for us instead. We asked Rachel a few questions about her process and how she became a signwriter.
Crucial aspects of Scotland’s history, and therefore design history, are underpinned by the exploitation of enslaved and colonised people around the world.
Like most, we’ve had to adapt to the current situation with many of our team working from home. This is a challenge, but our Curator Meredith wonders if some people had it figured out years ago. She explores the late designer Bernat Klein’s beautiful home (with only a hint of jealousy).
And the band begins to play
Unlike many other kinds of museums, objects on display in design museums can be ordinary and domestic. But this doesn’t mean their histories aren't fascinating. Meredith explores a once highly fashionable piece of ironwork that you might just end up spotting all over the place.
This series celebrates creative responses to V&A Dundee. With the museum currently closed due to Coronavirus, visiting us in person isn't possible. Luckily, artist Csian digitally recreated the building! It blows our minds and brings us joy. Csian tells us more.
Try our latest crossword with clues inspired by the museum and its themes
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. This month have a seat and read Chris's reflections on the Orkney chair.
We've collaborated with Make Works to showcase the stories behind our products. Today we meet narrative designer Simon Meek, a storyteller who uses design to express that story in different ways.
I (don’t) deserve to be here
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. This month, Russell shines a light on Norah Geddes, an early 20th century landscape designer from Edinburgh.
We've collaborated with Make Works to showcase the stories behind our products. Today we meet designer Lynne MacLachlan who uses 3D printing technology and colour to play with light, space and colour.
Happy LGBT History Month 🏳️🌈 In this special piece of creative writing, Ryan lets his feet and mind wander through Dundee’s streets as he considers how his unique but relatable story is tied to the city and its architecture.
Magic Arcade
From dystopian futures to symbiotic harmony, robots have been a pop culture staple for a century. We commissioned writers to respond to our Hello, Robot. exhibition using fiction to explore the themes presented in the show.
Our Studio Nicholas Daley exhibition closes on 2 February, but the designer’s AW20 show just took place in London. Curator Mhairi Maxwell introduces his new collection and finds out how the 7-minute show comes together with help from his collaborators.
From dystopian futures to symbiotic harmony, robots have been a pop culture staple for a century. We commissioned writers to respond to our Hello, Robot. exhibition using fiction to explore the themes presented in the show.
From dystopian futures to symbiotic harmony, robots have been a pop culture staple for a century. We commissioned writers to respond to our Hello, Robot. exhibition using fiction to explore the themes presented in the show.
With broad themes to unpack and big ideas to explore, design studio de Pass Montgomery created an immersive exhibition design for Hello, Robot. at V&A Dundee. We asked them a few questions about their process.
From dystopian futures to symbiotic harmony, robots have been a pop culture staple for a century. We commissioned writers to respond to our Hello, Robot. exhibition using fiction to explore the themes presented in the show.
There are many ways to engage with objects in a museum: looking at them, photographing them, reading all the text, looking up extra information. Claire presents another way of seeing using the written word.
'Tis the season to explore some of our favourite festive traditions through the lens of design. Love them or loathe them, Christmas jumpers are now ubiquitous. We invited Paul to illustrate his surreal take on this festive staple and fill us in on the unexpected rationale behind it.
'Tis the season to explore some of our favourite festive traditions through the lens of design. Whether you rip it off instantly or remove it carefully, wrapping paper is an important part of the celebrations. We challenged Lauren to design a wrap that you wouldn’t throw away.
MÒR AND BEAG: The Saga Of The Linton Worm
'Tis the season to explore some of our favourite festive traditions through the lens of design. Tree ornaments are often mass-produced and conventional, so we challenged designer Chloe to design an elevated counterpoint to this, with hand-made and sustainability in mind.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. One of our smaller objects, the kaleidoscope transforms the world around you. We look through it with Claire Yspol to discover a new creative perspective.
Our new exhibition ‘Hello, Robot.’ opened in early November and examines the speculative future of robotic design while questioning the role robots play in our lives. Read on for an introductory tour of the show and its themes.
Journ-ee: A day exploring Dundee
We can’t wait for our very first Festive Design Market featuring over 50 makers from across Scotland. But just how do you pull together such an event? And what can designers do to stand out?
Soap Opera replicates a sense of the wonder and playful child-like intent that blowing bubbles instils in us. Jenny Kane explores our installation, its creators and the inspiration behind it.
Metamorphosis
We're celebrating everyone involved in making V&A Dundee a living, breathing museum. When Joe shared sketches from his university project on Instagram, we asked him to tell us more.
Dundee held its very first Pride celebrations in September 2018, one week after our museum opened. (It was quite a week.) Our Digital Producer Russell Dornan talks us through the visual identity he accidentally created for Dundee Pride.
The Man the Earth Spat Back
Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt is on until 8 September 2019. Assistant Curator Lauren Bassam presents one of the videos from the show exploring representation and how diverse perspectives can benefit everyone.
Pride isn't just a party. With roots in protest, Alice explores how design has empowered the LGBTQ+ community across the decades to stand up defiantly, speak out proudly and celebrate who they are with style.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. Jenny's love of museums and unique kitchen implements collides in the shape of a dish drainer in our collection.
We've collaborated with Make Works to showcase the stories behind our products. Today we meet textile designer Laura Spring who creates bold graphic print designs.
How We Met
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. Jennie reflects on a piece of sustainable design that's as beautiful as it is innovative.
La Quinta Del Sordo: Goya and the Black Paintings
We're celebrating everyone involved in making V&A Dundee a living, breathing museum. We spotted Ann's beautiful picture of the museum on Twitter and asked the artist to reflect on her work.
We're celebrating everyone involved in making V&A Dundee a living, breathing museum. When we saw Andrew Siddall sat outside sketching the building, we asked him to tell us more.
We've collaborated with Make Works to showcase the stories behind our products. Today we meet designer Kate Colin who works with paper to create homeware, lighting and installations.
Ocean Liners
We're celebrating everyone involved in making V&A Dundee possible. A while before we opened, the emerging building reminded Gary Gowans of a certain space opera, leading to his inspired video that went viral across the universe.
Our Videogames exhibition explores the creative process behind playful, radical and provocative games. Lauren Bassam takes a look at how players themselves disrupt and alter existing videogames.
We're celebrating everyone involved in making V&A Dundee a living, breathing museum. Alastair Faulkner reflects on painting our building, having watched it rise from the rubble.
We're celebrating everyone involved in making V&A Dundee a living, breathing museum. Graeme Hutton explores why he enjoys photographing the museum in different ways.
We're celebrating everyone involved in making V&A Dundee possible. Kicking us off is a touching poem written by members of the choir that performed so movingly on our opening weekend.
We've collaborated with Make Works to showcase the stories behind our products. Today we catch up with Jane Richards and Amy Lindsay, the Creative Directors of Ark Colour Design.
A colourful installation exploring playful attitudes and ideas, our ‘Rules of Play’ installation was inspired by toy planks used by children all over the world. Jenny Kane explores the origin of the educational toys that revolutionised the industry.
We've collaborated with Make Works to showcase the stories behind our products. Today we catch up with Kirsty Thomas, Creative Director of design studio, Tom Pigeon.
Development of our new videogame Plaything is well under way. Digital Content Editor Russell gives us an update on the project and explores how important sound is in bringing the game to life.
In April 2019, the much-admired Star Wars costume in our galleries returns home to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in San Francisco. Curator Meredith More introduces the dress replacing it and explores how they and their designers are connected.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. With Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt opening next month, gamer Alan McKay looks at a game making tool that’s allowed him to create experiences for other players.
We've collaborated with Make Works to showcase the stories behind our products. Today we catch up with Judith Davidson, UK Sales Manager for Mackays Ltd.
We’ve commissioned a new videogame as part of our upcoming exhibition to shed light on the development process and let the public see how a game comes together. Digital Content Editor Russell explores the first steps in bringing Plaything into the world.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. Ailsa Purdie reflects on her love of designer Christopher Kane and the importance of sibling support in creative pursuits.
With Ocean Liners: Speed and Style closing this month, Curator Meredith More explores Scotland's role in bringing these floating palaces to life through the lens of one the most-loved ships.
The first exhibition in our Michelin Design Gallery, the Scottish Design Relay was a national project inspired by a selection of objects from across Scotland, involving young people, designers and cultural partners. Mhairi Maxwell explores how to turn such a diverse project into a focused exhibition and reflects on its legacy.
We've collaborated with Make Works to showcase the stories behind our products. Today we catch up with award-winning Scottish textile designer Donna Wilson.
Ocean Liners: Speed and Style reveals the exquisite design detail of the golden age of luxury travel, from the furniture and fittings to the designer dress worn by the lucky few travelling in the first-class suites. Zorian Clayton explores a darker side of these floating palaces.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. Nicole Sangster recalls childhood moments spent near the Dounreay Fast Reactor, the unlikely cause of her existence.
We've collaborated with Make Works to showcase the stories behind our products. Today we catch up with David Powell, Archive Manager at DC Thomson.
In 2017, our #VADvent Instagram project saw 24 designers tackle one door each. This time one person illustrated the whole thing. Nicole explores her process, from where to begin to wanting it to end, and everything in between.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. Today Susan Whyte touches on achieving success and facing setbacks as a designer, through the lens of architect Basil Spence.
We've collaborated with Make Works to showcase the stories behind our products. Today we catch up with Scottish artist and designer Edward Smith.
We caught up with designer Maeve Redmond and asked her a few questions about her compelling commission in our Scottish Design Galleries.
Scottish Design Icons is a series of small articles showcasing the big hitters of Scottish design. This time we celebrate knitwear company Pringle of Scotland for their modern and pioneering approach to fashion.
To mark the centenary of the First World War, Curator Meredith More explores how a commercial ocean liner was both designed for and destroyed by war.
Local band ST.MARTiiNS performed at our 3D Festival as part of our opening week celebrations. Lola Stephen explores their approach to music and artwork design.
Discover how Trisha Biggar designed some of the most memorable costumes in the universe
Our Scottish Design Galleries, the heart of V&A Dundee, are the first in the world dedicated to telling the extraordinary story of Scottish design.