The Geffrye museum is a hidden gem in London’s East End: if you have a passion for Interior Design it is simply a must … The museum takes you on a journey stopping off at various points throughout the past 400 years of Interior Design – one visit to the Geffrye museum will allow you to stand back and watch how Interior Design has grown and evolved from the 1600s parlour to the modern open plan living spaces of the 20th Century!
Image credit: The Geffrye Museum
Image credit: The Geffrye Museum
Image credit: The Geffrye Museum
What’s on right now?
Image credit: The Geffrye Museum
Eco Home (Tuesday 13 October 2009 – Sunday 7 February 2010) is a fantastic exhibition that highlights some of the most wonderful eco-friendly designs currently available. Such items range from new floorings to fabric made from milk fibres (with ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ as its mantra) – it truly is a must see for anyone looking to revamp their home whilst simultaneously aiding the environment. On the theme of environment I decided to take the bus to the museum – although it wasn’t the hardest decision seeing as I do not drive…
Image credit: The Geffrye Museum
So, what did I get out of my visit? I left with the sense that everything in life is in transit – what was ‘in’ in 1960 was considered hideous in 1990 and is considered retro and daring today. Therefore, my visit consolidated my pre-existing idea that design must be daring – if you see it and you like it, go for it and, if you keep it for long enough, it will eventually draw a compliment!
Also worth mentioning for the mothers and fathers amongst you, the Geffrye is extremely child friendly with a wonderful cafe and a specially designed children’s area ideal for any budding interior designers! The shop has very cute selection of ceramics, books, postcards and even a ‘learn to weave’ kit for the kids – definitely something to keep them busy over the half term!
Address: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London E2 8EA
Tel No: 020 7739 9893 Web: www.geffrye-museum.org.uk
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mons 12noon – 5pm
Travel: Buses: 149, 242, 243, 67 or 394
Tube: Liverpool St, then bus 149 or 242/Old St (exit 2), then bus 243
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