In a Charlie Humble-Thomas x Victoria and Albert Museum Masterclass, Art&Design Saturday Saturday Club members from Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Art, UAL, Banbury and Bicester College created innovative object designs.
Charlie introduced himself and his work as an Illustrator and Industrial Designer and the process of sketching, modelling, prototyping, and physical testing. After introductions, the Club members began critically and creatively exploring intriguing objects ranging in material and era. These objects included a mini mobile, bricks made from recycled and sustainable materials, unique designs like a shelf for a cup of tea, a large spoon created from melted aluminium cans and many more. After this, Club members were asked to rank these objects based on their age, transparency, and their impact on the world (whether it was positive or negative).
After learning more about the objects, the Club members developed their own designs. They were asked to think of a problem they wanted to solve in the world and come up with a design that represented the solution. Using paint markers, they drew their designs onto tiles. The Club members really enjoyed this activity with one of them mentioning that the highlight was “being able to create products from our own ideas with no restrictions”.
Illustrations included a sustainably made speaker with touch sensitive drum pads, a recycled plastic skateboard, a waterproof deep sea zine, plastic-free gender neutral underwear, and a mug made to feel like you’re holding someone’s hand. Club members had the opportunity to present their designs, sharing their intentions, planned materials, and objectives.
At the end of the day, the Club members presented their designs to the group, explaining the inspiration behind their ideas and the materials they used. They also got to take home their skilfully crafted tiles. Additionally, Club members from Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Art, UAL visited the V&A’s DIVA exhibition – an exhibition that explores the role of the ‘diva’ and diva culture, and its evolution across opera, stage, popular music, and film.