Design Museum Academy Adult Workshop
Workshop: Crafting Narratives through Lighting Design
Create your own lamp inspired by our display PLATFORM: Bethan Laura Wood. Led by designer Holly Rollins, explore cultural stories, research methods and hands-on modelling to design and build a functional lamp prototype that embodies personal and collective narratives.
What to expect
In this one-day creative workshop, you will explore key elements in Bethan Laura Wood’s work, such as adornment, desire, modernity, craft, beauty in the ordinary, and how functional design can incorporate personal narratives and storytelling.
Facilitator Holly Rollins will introduce her design practice and research methodology. You will then delve into your own references and gather inspiration for your lamp design, using storytelling and memory and connections as a starting point.
You will work on a prototype for your design using the provided modelling materials and decorative tools. Participants will be encouraged to share their ideas with the group and discuss how lighting can act as a cultural conduit.
Each attendee will leave with a unique and functional lamp prototype and a deeper understanding of how functional design can illuminate emotional connections, cultural storytelling, and aesthetic exploration.
Learning outcomes:
Understand the relationship between emotional connection and product design
Gain insight into the research and design process
Explore the significance of adornment and tradition in cultural and personal narratives
Learn how to embed storytelling and memory into functional design
Develop a small-scale prototype or artefact reflecting these themes
Please note:
Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment
All equipment, materials and light refreshments will be provided.
This workshop is suitable for adults 18+
Testimonials
"It was a great experience that helped me develop the ability to bring the designs in my head into reality."
"It was interesting looking at the other designers and being guided through a creative process."
Facilitator
Holly Rollins
Holly is a London-based interior architect, object designer, and researcher whose work explores design, culture, and history. Through her studio, ROLSTUDIO, she creates functional artifacts rooted in research, addressing identity, memory, and the diasporic experience, particularly within the Caribbean diaspora across the US and UK. Her designs serve as both practical objects and conduits for cultural expression and healing, reflecting her commitment to narrative-driven, impactful design. Visit @_hollyrollins
Booking information
Adult: £108
Early bird Adult: £97
Student 18+: £97
Early bird Student: £87
Members*: £86
*Please note that this benefit only applies to the cardholding Member’s ticket and not those of additional guests
– Early bird tickets are available until Monday 27 October 2025.
– Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment
– Light refreshments and equipment will be provided for the duration of the session
Check out the Design Museum Academy refunds and cancellations policy here
Additional information
Please note that this workshop is for participants over 18 years old, and the content and complexity have been tailored accordingly
If you would like to let us know about any access requirements, including neurodiversity, there is the option to notify us at the ticket checkout
If you would like to have 1:1 support for this workshop, you are welcome to bring a companion to support you on your project, at no extra cost. To request a companion spot please email DMAcademy@designmuseum.org with your booking information.
This session has a capacity of 20 participants, and one or two facilitators will be leading the sessions. So, the ratio of participants per facilitator will be 10:1.
If you have any questions, please contact DMAcademy@designmuseum.org
Related display
What's on
Background image: Lamp prototype by Holly Rollins.