Bakelite and Shipping Containers: Definitely not a crap day out.

This is pretty off-topic really, being nothing to do with screen-printing, t-shirts, organic cotton, or anything else related to Lost Shapes. BUT, I did actually study Wood, Metal and Plastics for my degree, and it has everything to do with design and the sort of things that get the inspiration cells fizzing; I decided to share anyway.  

I have wanted to visit the Bakelite Museum in West, Somerset for sooo long - it is, after all, the largest collection of bakelite in Britain! But not everyone sees the attraction (see this article about 'Crap Days Out: 10 of the worst days out in Britain' if you find that hard to believe) so I was saving it for the right company. Admittedly the kids didn't seem particularly impressed when I tried to explain the early importance of thermosetting plastics in the car on the way, and friends suggested there were better places to take visitors who can only stay one day. But they're wrong. Only those who have lost their love of life could fail to be impressed by the abundant mixture of domestic relics, defunct inventions, and plastics both beautiful and hideous. There's even some rude stuff for the teenagers! And you don't even have to care about Bakelite, you just have to love looking at stuff.

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The personal collection of artist Patrick Cook, the mass of Bakelite and other vintage household wares are displayed in a beautiful millhouse outside Williton, alongside tree-lined stream and vintage caravan collection. There's almost no labelling, and exhibits are packed in throughout, but it's certainly not random - collections of colour, theme and purpose laid out with what must be slightly obsessive care.

Scared of the dentist? Can't think why!

Hmm, how can we best use this wonderous new material? I know, a naked lady radio with nipples for dials! Note also toilet pan condiment set in front.

More inspiration still (all in one day! And I haven't even mentioned the cream teas and fish and chips) from Contains Art, at nearby Watchet Harbour: a great concept, using shipping containers as galleries and studios in a working harbour.  I really want one.

by Leah Hislop

Want to follow some more Lost Shapes days out? I sometimes take my phone and instagram it...