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West Port Architects have been selected by the Victoria & Albert Museum to be the exhibition designers for the Africa Fashion exhibition!

West Port Architects (Studio 201) are going to be behind the design of the Africa Fashion exhibition at the V & A museum! Set to open at South Kensington in summer 2022, the exhibition is spread across two floors in the museums Fashion Gallery. The theme is Independence & Liberation, and Contemporary Creatives.

The brief is a complex one. How do you represent Africa, a rich and diverse continent of 54+ countries, too often stereotyped and ring-fenced into a singular narrative written by those from outwith its borders. For these very reasons West Port believe this exhibition is to be a uniquely important one. In light of the V&A’s unprecedented international draw and influence an opportunity like this is a rare and precious moment to shift any preconceived notions of Africa as the single-dimensioned ‘country ’.  In this exhibition we look to support the V&A in its recognition of Africa’s multidimensional creative clout. A creative energy that in the face of much adversity, social and economic challenges, reaches far beyond its borders adding life to styles and style to life across 7 continents.

Working with We Are Pocc  and Beam Lighting Design, West Port are honoured to be involved in what is set to be not just an important showcase of an incredible continent, but a blockbuster exhibition at the world’s greatest art and design museum.

A huge well done to you all – we cannot wait to go and see it!

Yoga at GWS is back!

Join us on the mat to improve your mental wellbeing whilst developing strength, flexibility and mobility through Iyengar yoga.

Read more about the style of yoga and our new instructor.

Just one of the ways we’d like to thank you for being valued members of Great Western Studios!

The classes are suitable for all levels, from newbies to experienced yogis. Mats and blocks are available but we would recommend bringing your own.

To be added to the yoga mailing list or reserve your place, e-mail reception@greatwesternstudios.com

RaspberryPlum donate stock to the Novak Djokovic Charity

Studio holder RaspberryPlum has just donated £70,000 worth of past season stock to the Novak Djokovic charity. How great is that!

The Novak Djokovic Foundation develops early childhood education projects in Serbia. They enable kids from underprivileged areas to learn and play in a safe, creative, and nurturing environment. They also train and empower teachers, and build and create self-sustaining schools and programmes. Importantly, they also educate parents. Because of the charity, the children learn to love and respect themselves, others, and the world they live in. ‘Champions are not born. They are nurtured, encouraged, educated, and loved. We at the NDF never forget what it takes to create a champion.’

Studio holder RaspberryPlum‘s ready to wear collection is made in Serbia by small, independent businesses. The clothing industry there was once thriving and has suffered hugely because of political turmoil. It is RaspberryPlum’s aim to re-establish and promote the industry. They want every member of RaspberryPlum to love being part of their team, to enjoy their work and to feel appreciated. They also work directly with the foundation to promote their message and give them more visibility.

Novak Djokovic talking to children from Novak Djokovic charity

Richard Parr Associates win a Deezen Award

At Richard Parr Associates, studio 126, they have won a Deezen Award for their very impressive new studio space in the Cotswolds.

See their Instagram here and website here.

New collaboration from The Art and Design Group

At Studio 38, The Art and Design Group have completed a new collaboration with designer George Sowden. This bright and beautiful table also comes in a more understated black.

See their Instagram here and website here.

Alexander Stileman’s stunning Mayfair Restaurant

Here is a recent lighting project completed by our friends in Studio 51 at restaurant Maison Francois in Mayfair. We hope you agree that it looks wonderful!

See their Instagram here and website here.

Autumn Round Up: We say hello to new members and share the latest news from around the studios

MGC London

Introducing MGC London, recent additions to the GWS family in studio 203. They are a strategic Brand Management, PR and Communications agency working with some very exciting creative talent.

See their instagram here and their website here.

Nishira

Nishura has a mission to bring to you some of the most beautiful and delightful cultural products from Japan. Making them available with an online service that is efficient, helpful and captivating.

Studio 36 are offering 10% off everything from their website: nishuraeast.com. This includes the Stalogy range of notebooks, pens and sticky notes, and Haru stuck-on design. The offer is just for GWS studio members. All you need do is enter the coupon code Nishura36 at the checkout! Have a good browse beforehand, as it works once for each user.

On top of that, if you follow them on Instagram – nishura_east – and DM your studio number and details, there’s a special Christmas surprise waiting for you as well!

See their Instagram here and their website here.

Latest news from our Studio Holders…

Sophie Nguyen Architects

In Studio 16, Sophie has been working to create 3 new projects in West London. She has also created a video titled “What is an Architect?”. Here is her beautiful creation Hover House in North Kensington.

See her Instagram here and website here.

Marble LDN

The lovely Marble LDN, in studio 110, have just completed a landmark project: Xathon – the first virtual hackathon for female entrepreneurs. Originally meant to take place in Berlin, the event took place on a virtual platform making it accessible to people from 13 countries.

See their Instagram here and their website here.

On&On Designs

As there will be no GWS Christmas Market this year, On&On Designs, from studio 120, will be offering a special online promotion for people to buy directly from their designers. For a 10% discount on all Modus Design Ceramics, enter code On&On2020 on their website here.

See their Instagram here.

Simon Clark Photography

Despite the challenging times we find ourselves in and the various lockdowns, Simon, from studio 19, has still been shooting. These have included a main fashion editorial in his garden, a swimwear campaign on the beaches near Barcelona and a Cycle shoot in Andorra and France – all following strict Covid rules.

See his Instagram here and his website here.

GWS is COVID ready!

Our COVID-19 signage is installed and looking fresh!

We’re now operating a one way system throughout the building and have sanitisers at regular intervals around the building.

Big shout out to Coloursonic who are our favourite local printers – they always do a stand up job with any projects we send their way!

Run for the Hills launch new online art store

We highly recommend a peek at Run for the Hills new online shop www.artefacteria.com. Selling original art and vintage finds — created and curated by their studio — it is all drop dead gorgeous!

They’ve also launched a new website, www.runforthehills.com. Head over to see the very best in interior and brand design.

The talent at GWS is incredible, it’s been inspiring to see what different studios have been working on during these difficult times. Scroll down to see what our community has been up to and to see how we can support each other.

The Duppy Share

George, of The Duppy Share, is doing something amazing this weekend!

On Saturday he’ll be running a (social distanced) marathon to raise money for two charities that are close to his heart: Hospitality Action and The Felix Project. He hasn’t run a marathon before so let’s dig deep and give him a big GWS push!

To read more about these incredible charities and to donate click here. Good luck, George!

Visual Editions

The lovely people at Visual Editions have released a fantastic new project. “Stories of Splendid Isolation” creates moments of literary respite in the wake of Covid-19. By activating Google Assistant, listeners can hear writers from around the world share their reflections during a time of unprecedented uncertainty and connected experiences — like a literary version of Thought for the Day.

Head over to their instagram for the full details and to give it a go, it’s really great!

MATA Architects

The wonderful MATA Architects are still working on a wide range of projects and adapting to a remote way of working. Here’s a throwback to their restaurant design for Monty’s Deli from 2017.

Selina Blow

Selina Blow‘s online store is still open and it’s an absolute dream! This beautiful three-button fitted jacket is from Selina’s Spring/Summer collection.

Sophie Nguyen Architects

Sophie Nguyen Architects are working on a new project in Notting Hill. With social distancing in place, the works on site have had to be organised differently. Construction is taking more time to be done and the team are using only materials available in existing storage. It’s a very interesting time for everyone but beautiful pieces are still being produced, like the wonderful staircase above.