The Visit

It was such a pleasure to find our Grandson looking happy and fulfilled as the end of his first year at University draws to a close. He is on a four year degree course which is suiting him perfectly. He has always been excellent at maths, physics and chemistry and his hands have been creating bits of magic turning paper and string into objects of beauty from a young age. He is doing a Furniture and Product Design Degree with two years at university, one year in industry, returning to the university for his final year.

We were impressed with this stool which easily withstands the weight of an adult. He designed it for a Flat Sheet Project he was set using thin card, it is flat packed and assembled in seconds - even a young child could put it together

A good brisk walk from the University Hall of Residence

through Nottingham Arboretum

 A Jacaranda Tree 

Helianthemum 'henfield brilliant' (rock rose) lining the pathway leading

past the duck pond where it was 'bottoms up'

our first visit to a Caribbean restaurant

with a very lively buzz

and delicious spicey food

Luckily for us our visit coincided with the first day of the final year students Degree Show which the three of us enjoyed

Two different views of the same glass topped table

A stunning theatrical costume - this is the back of the skirt

Tableware called Lotus which is self-cleaning. The self-cleaning properties are made possible by changing the surface of the cellulose making it super-hydrophobic. Once the crockery is rinsed under a tap it is completely sterile. 

A sofa designed for the smaller homes of the future. It has a coffee table that slides underneath when not in use, and the back section drops down to form a small table suitable for drinks or books

Concrete salt and pepper mills - challenging perceptions that concrete does not have to be for roads, buildings and bridges only. These will be in the shops this year, and come in different coloured concrete and textures

Another space saving idea for future compact living. A  dining table that converts easily into a coffee table

We left Nottingham feeling inspired by the creativity, and forward thinking showcased by these young people, it gave us the feeling that the future was in good hands