ICM - Leeds Design Agency

I couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to get time to visit The Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield. It had been on my ‘to do list’ since it opened and I have to say it was worth the wait.

The gallery itself is located on the river, which isn’t only stunning to look at, but also creates renewable energy for the heating and cooling of the gallery. The building is constructed of pigmented concrete which gives it a very sculpted looked and complements the work within perfectly.

I took my two year old daughter with me and I was surprised how well kids are catered for at The Hepworth. The outside play area is fantastic and inside there are many activities and events designed to get kids being more creative.

The gallery inside is very light and has so many pieces of well known works that I haven’t seen anything like outside of London. I used a Mondrian to teach my 2 year old colours and showed her one of my favourite works, a sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, entitled ‘Mother and Child’ where I asked her what it was and she said ‘Baby’. I was very proud.

When we Looked at Eva Rothschild’s work my little girl pointed out the snakes. It was wonderful seeing the work though the eyes of a two year old. She was spotting things I would never have noticed.

The Hepworth. has also been shortlisted for the 2011 British Design Award – Best Architectural Achievement. Fingers crossed for them.

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I have written before about my love of Leeds although I’m not originally from the city (or even Yorkshire) I could never imagine living or working anywhere else. Last year I discovered Leeds Light Night, which has been running since 2005. Unfortunately I missed it, but this year I will be there.

Leeds Light Night evening is a massive free arts event over around 40 venues and up to 75 different events, gives visitors free access to art and venues that they might not normally see. The event stretches across the city centre, from the University to the river and offers a unique chance to rediscover Leeds.

This year’s event, which takes place on Friday 7th October, will again see venues all over the city centre staying open unusually late and transformed to offer all manner of colourful and fascinating entertainment.

Coordinated by Leeds City Council’s Arts and Regeneration team; contributions from many different Leeds-based organisations such as internationally-renowned touring companies to small community groups, further and higher education establishments, arts collectives and individuals, including both professional and amateur artists, students and other members of the general public.

Leeds was the first UK city to host a Light Night event back in 2005. Its success in Leeds has led many other UK cities to follow suit and start running their own event…

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While updating my Christmas shopping lists and looking for some different gift ideas online last night I discovered Mari Kasurinen. Mari says about herself and her art “Popular culture is my television. My art represents what I have seen so far. I was looking for a way to express myself concerning today’s materialism and individualism.”

These customised My Little Ponies really caught my eye and made me smile.

I hope these put a smile on your face t…

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