Design Museum Academy Adult Workshop: London Design Festival
Workshop: Make Seaweed Streamers with Bethan Laura Wood
Join designer Bethan Laura Wood in creating swaying laminated paper sculptures inspired by seaweed and kites, in this event as part of London Design Festival.
Book now and get a complimentary ticket to our next event, Bethan Laura Wood’s Travelling Bluestocking Salon.
What to expect
In this workshop, Bethan invites you to experiment with laminated papercutting, twisting, and assembling pieces to create your own seaweed-inspired streamers and colourful hanging decorations.
You'll select shapes designed by Bethan to build your own streamers, or design and hand-cut your unique interpretations of these underwater plants. You'll then combine shapes, textures and colours to create vibrant new designs to take home.
Originally developed in 2017 for a takeover of the historic smokehouse during Hull’s City of Culture, the installation 'Seaweed Streamers' is a collaboration between the designer and the renowned paper merchant GF Smith. The designs combine the organic forms of British seaweed with structural details inspired by kite constructions. Crafted from vibrant paper, these seaweed forms gently sway, creating a suspended world of colour and shapes where nature, industry, and architecture meet.
This project connects to the roots of Bethan’s creative journey, from her childhood obsession with transforming paper into imaginative forms, to the large-scale sculptural works she produces today. Participants you will have the opportunity to learn more about her practice and how the studio works closely with manufacturers and collaborators to create innovative designs.
Explore the display
The workshop includes a brief guided visit led by Bethan to her display, PLATFORM: Bethan Laura Wood, which is the first in a series of annual exhibitions dedicated to showcasing contemporary design practice at the museum's Level 1 balcony.
Book signing
This event will be followed by a book signing from 16:00 to 17:00
Bethan will be signing copies of 'PLATFORM: Bethan Laura Wood', recently published by Design Museum. Costing £14.95, this beautifully designed volume celebrates Bethan's vibrant work.
Learning outcomes
• Learn more about Bethan Laura Wood’s design practice
• Explore the possibilities of laminated paper for design
• Combine colours and shapes in unique designs
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+
Bethan Laura Wood: Seaweed Streamers Installation in collaboration with GF Smith
Facilitator
Bethan Laura Wood
Bethan leads a multidisciplinary studio that explores materiality, artisan collaboration, and colour. Her site-specific work reflects local cultures, while questioning sustainability and our emotional connections to objects. Bethan has collaborated with brands such as Dior, Cassina, and Rosenthal, and exhibited globally with Nilufar Gallery. Her works are held in the permanent collections of NGV Australia, the V&A London, and SFMOMA. In 2025, her first solo museum show opened at the Design Museum as part of PLATFORM, a new series of annual displays dedicated to showcasing contemporary design practice.
Book online
Booking information
Adult: £75
Student: £68
Members*: £60
*Please note that this benefit applies only to the cardholding Member’s ticket and not to those of additional guests.
Suitable for Adults 18+
Visit this page for further Access information
Check out the Design Museum Academy refunds and cancellations policy here.
Additional information
This workshop is for participants aged 18 and over, and the content has been designed with adult learners in mind
If there’s anything we can do to help you participate, whether it’s around mobility, sensory access, mental health, communication preferences, or anything else, you’re welcome to share this with us at ticket checkout. This is entirely optional, and you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with
You're welcome to bring a companion if you'd benefit from 1:1 support during the workshop. Companion places are free – please email the team at DMAcademy@designmuseum.org with your Booking information so we can reserve your spot
This session is led by one facilitator and includes up to 15 participants
If you have any questions or would prefer to chat to someone directly, get in touch with us via DMAcademy@designmuseum.org. We’ll do what we can to best support you
In collaboration with GF Smith
GF Smith works in partnership with brands, creatives, designers and specialists across the globe to source, curate and supply the world’s finest paper as the foundation for those that seek to create. As an independent business committed to community, colour and creativity, it is known for its exceptional range of creative papers, technical expertise, specialist services and warm, friendly approach.
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PLATFORM: Bethan Laura Wood
PLATFORM is an annual display dedicated to showcasing contemporary design practice. The first display in a series will present the fascinating work of Bethan Laura Wood.
Background and carousel images: Bethan Laura Wood's Seaweed Streamers Installation in collaboration with GF Smith. Courtesy of the artist.