A Vibrant New Collection at Young V&A
A fresh burst of creativity has arrived at the Young V&A shop with a brand-new line of colourful stickers, a charming bag charm, and a sketchbook. This collection finds its roots in the Making Egypt exhibition and is the result of a unique collaboration involving young creative minds aged 11 to 14 from Oaklands Secondary School in Tower Hamlets.
The Collaborative Spirit Behind Design Club
Design Club is more than a typical design project—it’s a vibrant annual partnership that brings together the V&A retail team, designers, curators, and young students. Each year, the group’s creative process springs from the themes explored in Young V&A’s exhibitions, culminating in products that reflect both artistic inspiration and practical market insight. It’s a hands-on opportunity for students to witness how designs transition from concept to consumer.
Immersive Learning Inspired by Ancient Egypt
Guidance from Making Egypt curators Trish Roberts and Dr Benjamin Hinson played a key role in this creative journey. The students embarked on an imaginative exploration along the Nile, delving into thematic elements such as symbolism, emulation, and traditional Egyptian artistic techniques. They studied the use of grids, stacking for perspective, symmetry, mirroring, and the artful portrayal of central figures that characterized the Egyptian aesthetic.
Workshops Spark Imaginative Designs
The young designers engaged in several hands-on workshops that fueled their imaginations and skills. Local illustrator Jacqueline Colley introduced them to the rich symbolism behind animals and plants in ancient Egypt. Drawing inspiration from their East London environment, the students produced illustrations showcasing local fauna like snails, foxes, pigeons, parakeets, and even a notably spirited squirrel.
Meanwhile, under the mentorship of Dr Mala Siamptani, students explored how ancients emulated luxurious materials such as breccia using clay with intricate patterned finishes. This ancient practice was reimagined by the group through modern materials like Jesmonite, enabling them to craft vibrant terrazzo and marbled pieces that serve as the backdrop for their designs.
| Design Inspiration | Modern Interpretation | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Egyptian symbolism & animal motifs | Illustrations of East London wildlife | Snails, foxes, pigeons, parakeets, squirrels |
| Breccia material & patterned clay | Jesmonite terrazzo and marbled finishes | Bright, swirling, colourful backgrounds |
| Ancient artistic techniques | Use of grids, symmetry, stacking | Visual depth and composition style |
Design Club: Bridging History with Contemporary Expression
By marrying ancient methods with modern creativity, this product range offers a playful yet culturally rich experience. The designs stand out with their swirling marbled patterns that provide a captivating backdrop for the animal illustrations, turning everyday motifs into extraordinary artistic statements.
Supporting Emerging Local Talent
This initiative not only celebrates rich cultural heritage but also nurtures young local talent, giving these students invaluable exposure to the design and retail worlds. Their work is currently showcased at the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, with the Making Egypt exhibition running until November 2, 2025. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to support these budding designers by purchasing items from the new Design Club range — a unique collectible reflecting the vibrant spirit of both history and community.
Why This Matters for Transfer and Taxi Services
When planning a trip to visit exhibitions such as Making Egypt, or simply exploring cultural hubs like Bethnal Green, the convenience and reliability of transfer services come into play. Whether arriving at the airport or traveling within the city, a timely and comfortable taxi or private transfer ensures visitors can make the most of their day and not miss out on inspiring experiences such as those offered by Young V&A’s Design Club showcase. Platforms like LokaleFahrt.de provide travelers with transparent access to vehicles, driver ratings, fares, and service options—allowing for seamless journey planning complementary to the cultural adventure.
Experience and Transparency Matter
While this innovative collaboration highlights the important role of creativity in education and cultural exchange, it also reminds us that no amount of description can replicate the value of personal experience. Similarly, when it comes to hiring transport services, nothing beats the firsthand impression. On LocalsRide, users can hire cars with drivers from verified providers offering reasonable prices—a perfect blend of trust, affordability, and choice. With a broad fleet featuring options from compact cabs to spacious limousines, and an array of additional services, LocalsRide empowers travelers to pick exactly what they need without unnecessary hassles or costs. The convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle options all underscore its distinct advantage. Book now at LokaleFahrt.de.
Wrap-Up: Blending Creativity and Convenience
The new Design Club range for the Young V&A shop is a brilliant example of how cultural heritage and youthful imagination can come together to create something fresh and exciting. Rooted in the ancient art of Egypt yet bursting with contemporary vibrancy, it offers a colorful narrative that connects past and present through product design.
For visitors and locals, such experiences are enhanced by easy transport options that make accessing venues straightforward. Services like LocalsRide.com offer exactly that—a global, user-friendly platform to book tailored transfers, trips, and deliveries with crystal-clear fare info, driver details, and vehicle options. From airport pickups to city explorations, it supports every traveler’s need with transparency and ease, allowing more time to enjoy destinations rather than figure out logistics.