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In celebration of the Design Museum's 35th anniversary on July 5th, this month's entry will peer into the past. We present four publications related to our heritage.

Over the last three and a half decades, our space has developed an acclaimed reputation in the creative industry. It is one of the few UK institutions to showcase the diverse spectrum of design. This focus has set us apart - becoming a conduit for innovation, change and progress.   

Our collated choices survey the foundations of curation, our museum, our founder and a previously represented practitioner. Study the scholarly sentiments of Donna Loveday, learn about our establishment through the evocative storytelling of Tom Wilson, uncover the legacy of Terrance Conran through Deyan Sudjic’s affecting memoir and examine unusual specimens that intrigue Paul Smith. Find our bundle offer here and read on below.  

In 2022, our former head of curatorial, Donna Loveday, produced this academic title that analyses the development of collection work. She looks at the changing cultural position of a curator, an object and its interpretation in modern society, from curios of the Victorian period to contemporary design at our venue. Is there an artsy magpie in your life who is interested in this profession? This book would make an exemplary gift for their personal development – you could accompany it with our Know Yourself Prompt Cards or take a trip to see our permanent display. 

Smith launched his label in 1970 and has been a quintessential British fashion designer over the last 50 years. In 1995 and 2013, we hosted his retrospectives to celebrate his contribution to the industry. In this 2020 Phaidon title, Smith offers a first-hand perspective on his practice by highlighting 50 of his fondest works. These selections accompany conversational notes that explain their significance. His roster includes tDM alumni, specifically architecture by John Pawson and writing by Alice Rawthorn. If you are as fond of Smith’s work as we are, you will love his Anglepoise Lamp. Would you like to start sewing? - attend our tailoring course on September 28th and 29th.

- Paul Smith

Terence Conran and Stephen Bayley’s initial iteration of our museum was the Boilerhouse Project in 1982. They converted the V&A's basement into a design exhibition space. We opened our Shad Thames site in 1989 and remained there until 2016 - delivering groundbreaking shows such as New Design and Technology (2000) and Sustainable Futures (2010). Tom Wilson, our head of collections produced this book to accompany our relocation to Kensington High Street. He succinctly narrates the institution's 25-year story over 152 pages of observant text and archival photographs. Are you interested in learning about our programmes that support the new generation with sustainability and youth opportunities? Visit our Future Observatory and Design Ventura displays.

Our former director, Deyan Sudjic issued this biographical account to accompany a posthumous 2021 exhibit of the iconic designer's work. He tracks Conran’s ascent as a renowned design tastemaker, reviewing his childhood in Dorset, education at CSM, collaboration with Mary Quant, breakthrough with the Conran Shop and his cultural impact in Great Britain. Do you and a friend want to listen to architectural discourse from Conran’s protégé Thomas Heatherwick? Attend his talk with our chief curator, Johanna Agerman Ross, on July 9th.