Joy of Living

Communication design / Events

Somerset House in London presents a collection of graphic design for sale. Maker: unknown.

By Editor Design.nl / 10-03-2011

Charity project Joy of Living is uniting nearly 100 leading designers to raise money for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres.

An initiative by design author and curator Max Fraser, he has set the challenge to a cross-section of new and established designers to create a desirable artwork that expresses the Joy of Living - all starting from a simple sheet of A4 graph paper.
Among the UK-based designers are some international and Dutch names such as Tord Boontje, Nienke Klunder together with Jaime Hayon, and Simon Heijdens, to name but a few.

The signed works are being exhibited and sold at London’s Somerset House, from 15 until 21 March, 2011. The project aims to raise funds for Maggie’s, a charity that helps people to build a life beyond cancer, helping to manage the impact of a diagnosis of cancer and to live with hope and determination.

The fluid brief allows for a maximum of expression and the use of graph paper is evocative of the beginning of the design process. The choice of this simple medium has triggered a stunning breadth of responses. Habitat has partnered with the project to frame each artwork for the exhibition.

Because democratic values are at the core of Maggie;s philosophy. each artwork is priced at £250, whether by a household name or a rising star. What’s more, the name of the designer will not be revealed until the piece is purchased, prompting supporters to buy a piece to which they have a true emotional response.

Max Fraser: “The time and commitment that so many designers have already pledged to the Joy of Living project is truly amazing, and I hope that together, and with the further support of the design industry, we can achieve our goals for Maggie’s.”

In addition to the auction, Max Fraser’s brand LONDON DESIGN GUIDE will launch its very first award in conjunction with the project. £1000 will be awarded to the designer who best responds to the Joy of Living brief, as selected by a professional jury. A further £500 will be given to the designer of the most popular artwork, as chosen by a public vote.

Click here for a complete overview of the artworks

Click on the images to enlarge