London is home to numerous museums and art galleries that are free to visit, making it a delightful destination for art enthusiasts. While iconic museums like the National Portrait Gallery, The Tate, and the British Museum are popular choices, there are also hidden gems like the Photographers Gallery and the Design Museum that are worth exploring.
The Design Museum, founded by Sir Terence Conran in 1989, showcases various forms of design throughout the year. One of its upcoming exhibitions, „Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style,“ curated by Amber Butchart, explores the cultural significance of swimming design over the past 100 years. From iconic swimsuits like Pamela Anderson’s Baywatch suit to the innovative Speedo LZR Racer, the exhibition features over 200 objects that highlight the evolution of swimwear and Britain’s relationship with water.
The exhibition also delves into the architectural aspects of swimming, showcasing models of notable structures like the Zaha Hadid-designed London 2012 Aquatics Centre. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of swimwear, from vintage striped swimsuits to modern Speedos, providing a comprehensive look at the history of swimwear design.
Additionally, the exhibition features items on loan from the BikiniARTmuseum, including one of the earliest surviving bikinis and men’s swimwear from different eras. With its diverse collection and engaging narrative, „Splash!“ promises to be a must-visit for those interested in the intersection of design, fashion, and culture. The exhibition showcases how Peter Travis transformed the Speedo brief in the 1960s, celebrating the male form with bold designs. The display of Speedos will remind visitors of evolving fashion trends and the brand’s use of vibrant colors.
One of the highlights is swimmer Lucy Morton’s Olympic gold medal from the 1924 Paris Games, where she made history as the first British woman to win a solo swimming title. The exhibition also explores advancements in textile technology, featuring innovative swimsuits like the Jantzen Swimsuit and the Bri-Nylon swimsuit designed by Olympic champion Judy Grinham.
Additionally, the controversial LZR Racer swimsuit, developed by Speedo in collaboration with NASA and the Australian Institute of Sport, will be on display. This high-performance suit revolutionized competitive swimming but was later banned by FINA for providing unfair advantages.
The exhibition also delves into the architecture of swimming, showcasing landmarks like the Jubilee Pool in Penzance and the London Aquatics Centre. It also examines the role of nature and folklore in swimming, with references to mermaids in film and fashion.
Furthermore, the exhibition explores contemporary swimwear designers who promote bodily autonomy and challenge traditional ideas of access to public spaces. Guest curator Amber Butchart is excited to feature Pamela Anderson’s Baywatch swimsuit and emphasize the societal changes reflected in swimwear design over the past century.