5 design things to look out for in August 2017

Exhibition: World Illustration Awards

What: Now in its sixth year, the World Illustration Awards exhibition returns to Somerset House to showcase new and established talent in the field. The show displays 50 shortlisted gems taken from the Association of Illustrators’ annual competition, which were cherry-picked from over 2,300 entries from 64 countries. Featured work includes advertising posters, murals, packaging and book covers. The exhibition aims to be “an accessible introduction” to illustration and show “the importance of visual communication in everyday life”, according to the organisers.

Where: Embankment Galleries, South Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.

When: 31 July – 28 August 2017.

Info: Entry is free. For more info, head to Somerset House’s site.

Gallery talk: Bethan Laura Wood

What: Bethan Laura Wood is known for her vibrant and unique style incorporated into prints, furniture and products, which is also shown through the multidisciplinary designer’s own fashion sense. This month, she’ll be offering an exclusive tour of the Design Museum’s recently-opened exhibition Breathing Colour by Hella Jongerius, comparing Jongerius’ work to her own and discussing colour and pattern.

Where: The Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London W8 6AG.

When: 6.15-8pm, 21 August 2017.

Info: Tickets are £20, or £15 concessions. For more info, head to the Design Museum’s site.

Conference: London Super Comic Con

What: For comic book-lovers and illustration-enthusiasts alike, this convention offers visitors the chance to meet artists, writers and publishers. Exhibitors will also be displaying and selling design classics, from magazine back issue relics, to toys, games and t-shirts. Fancy dress is permissible, and strongly encouraged.

Where: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London N1 0QH.

When: 25-27 August 2017.

Info: Tickets start at £15. For more info, head to the London Super Comic Con site.

Museum opening: The Postal Museum

What: Ever wondered how post made its way around the UK before transport such as cars and vans existed? The new Postal Museum explores what it calls “the fascinating story of the first social network”, and will offer visitors the chance to take a below-ground rail ride and explore interactive galleries based on the last 500 years of post delivery.

When: Opens 29 July 2017. The Mail Rail ride opens 4 September.

Where: The Postal Museum, Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA.

Info: Entry to the museum costs £16, or £13 concessions. For more info, head to the Postal Museum’s site.

Festival: Post

What: Every year, designers, illustrators and academics come together in Copenhagen for design festival Post. Setting it apart from other talks programmes, the event delves into the ethics of visual communications, and will feature a series of talks, debates and workshops over four days. This year’s schedule is yet to be announced, but last year saw a workshop from artist Supermundane and a talk from academic Laurence Zeegen, the dean of the School of Design at Ravensbourne, London.

When: 17-20 August.

Where: Copenhagen, Denmark.

Info: Tickets are still available for 19-20 August, priced at £60, or £40 for students. For more info, head to the Post site.

If you know of any design events coming up, let us know at sarah.dawood@centaurmedia.com.