Within the Sackler Centre on the ground floor, there is an artist’s studio and a digital dream-room with 25 brand new Apple Macs and 25 laptops with the latest design programs. There are also digital cameras on hand, so images can be taken in the museum then downloaded to the computers to be edited in the centre.
Secret Softroom-designed storage gets rid of clutter and allows for an inviting space designed to encourage creativity, while natural sunlight floods through large windows.
Lunchrooms and locker rooms are hidden behind large partitions that can be moved around to tailor space to requirements. Sleek bright surfaces are child-friendly but not childish - to allow, again, for adaptability.
(Above) The Hochhauser auditorium is a versatile space which can be used for conferences and theatre performances. © Dennis Gilbert
A central staircase leads up to the first floor where there are two soundproof seminar rooms, ideal for discussions and meetings.
The Hochhauser Auditorium is a beautiful lecture hall with green leather chairs, large screen, sprung floors, lighting facilities, performance space and views onto the courtyard.
It’s a versatile space, which can be used to host dance and theatre as well as conferences and films.
The Sackler Centre will also house two resident artists who will change over every six months. Working in glass studios may make the artists feel like lab rats, but it is an interesting and unique experience to watch them at work. Studios are open most Friday afternoons and the artists run regular talks and workshops.
Current resident artists are Dorothy Hogg, the artist-jeweller who works primarily with precious metals, and Jo Lawrence, the new media artist specialising in stop-frame animation. Both have unprecedented objects and experts within the museum to inspire their work.
In celebration of the new Sackler Centre, the V&A are hosting Designarama, a special weekend of activities and events during half term.
On Friday 24 October to Sunday 26 October, there will be a multitude of activities, including digital photography sessions with the latest editing programs and designing costumes using V&A’s jewellery and fashion collections as inspiration.
With many events and opportunities to experience at the new Sackler Gallery, here are Culture24’s top five favourites:
Flickr Design Challenge
Friday 18.30–21.00,
Saturday & Sunday 11.00–16.30 (F),
Digital Studio, Sackler Centre. Free, drop-in.
Photograph your favourite V&A objects then post them on the V&A's Design Challenge group on Flickr. Show the V&A their collections as they have never seen them before and show what you love most within the Museum. A selection of the photographs will go on the V&A's website; all will be viewable on Flickr.
Chain of Talent
Friday 18.30–21.30,
Saturday & Sunday 10.00–17.00 (F),
Art Studio & Lunchroom 1, Sackler Centre. Free, drop-in.
Join artists and practitioners The Make Lounge and Sackler resident artist-jeweller Dorothy Hogg, in creating sculptures, objects and images to decorate the Sackler Centre Chain of Talent - a giant chain that will encircle the Museum. Search the galleries to find your favourite object and use it as inspiration.
Celebrity Design Debate: Tim Marlow, Wayne Hemingway, Arabella Weir, Grayson Perry and Jonathan Glancey
Friday 19.00–20.00,
Lecture Theatre, Sackler Centre. £8, concessions available.
Tickets can be booked at their website
Writer, broadcaster and art historian Tim Marlow chairs a panel of celebrity experts who will select and champion objects that represent the best of modern design, including I-pods, Harley Davidson and the Rigby and Pellier under-wired bra. Listen to their choices, and then vote for your favourite design.
Drop-in-Design
Saturday and Sunday 10.30–17.00,
Fashion, Room 40. Free, drop-in.
Design your own fashion accessory for a fancy dress party inspired by fashion and jewellery from around the world.
Lauren Child - My V&A (F)
Sunday 15.00–16.00, £8, concessions available, under 16s free. Tickets can be booked from their website
Author and illustrator Lauren Child is best known for the Charlie and Lola books and television series. She has won many prizes for her work, and Charlie and Lola were awarded a BAFTA in 2007 for best Childrens' Television Show and Script. She talks about her work and her favourite objects in the V&A and she will also sign books after the talk.
