A hacked Industrial robot writes out real time messages for UK politicians.

The metamorphosis of former Clash guitarist Mick Jones from late 70’s socio-political hell-raiser to punk-rocks learned elder statesman looks complete with the opening of his own library. Located a stones row from the infamous road the Westway that inspired so much of his music, and set in a 3000 s/ft lock-up in Acton, The Rock and Roll Public Library will feature original artwork, fanzines, recording equipment, interactive features and of course a treasure trove of music and punk paraphernalia.

Jones claims the idea is a “direct artistic challenge” to that altogether more “corporate” affair, the British Music Experience, which recently opened [...]

It’s approaching rush hour and Liverpool Street is fast becoming a crushing medley of limbs, briefcases and polished Italian shoes. Already late for a meeting you dart towards the Circle line in a vain attempt to arrive in some sort of concerted punctual state. Whisked off into London’s rat race you arrive at your destination station with perhaps enough time to conceivably make it, yet, as hundreds pile off of the train, you spy the exit at the furthest away point from your current position, blocked by a hundred steaming commuters and the hustle and bustle of the city’s underground [...]

Have you ever felt the desire to own your very own majestically crafted art masterpiece, yet been held back due to your restricting budget that falls just that small bit short of the £50M that is required of such a work? Well now the good people at IARTISTLONDON are offering imaginative minded customers the opportunity to do it for themselves, offering the opportunity to build contemporary masterpieces of their own, both affordably and easily. With these DIY sets including Damian Hirst’s skull, and a Banksy stencil and spray kit, IARTISTLONDON have not only offered a nice creative way of making [...]

With a population of just over 2.5 million people, Greater Manchester is one of the busiest, hustling and bustling counties in England. With much of this mass of peoples centered within the city of Manchester, the built up and industrial metropolitan has been developed from the centre outwards. However much of the city, particularly the southern strip, and the northern quarter, have long been crying out for regeneration as the decline of heavy industry has left many areas depleted over the years. Things are changing however. A regeneration project in Ancoats, just north of the city centre, will incorporate a [...]

Shoreditch is a funny old place. Bubbling with Artsy crevices, graffiti covered corners, outrageous forward thinking fashion fiends, the occasional ex Rockstar, shady salons, cheap drugs, expensive booze and a strong conviction in its own hype, Shoreditch isn’t ever without much in the fervently flitting form of the wildly eccentric. That fact is now even truer, as a converted Turkish Bathhouse, has laid its bold roots on one of the area’s well beaten, much maligned, corners.
Tactically set where the City meets Shoreditch. The Bathhouse, as it is known, offers far more than one would primarily believe, the space playing host [...]

Award-winning London architectural practice East have once again proven their expert skill, here creating a new public area for Bermondsey Square in Southwark, South London. The aim of the square is to rekindle a sense of community within the new expansion, linking the surrounding spaces, pedestrian and cycle routes to the day-to-day activities of the area. With the square incorporating an arena for an outdoor cinema, seating, general play and a market, the space not only will help to bring people to Bermondsey, but is also in keeping with the deep heritage of the area [The Bermondsey Antiques Market has [...]

Yesterday saw the launch of a new national Radio service on Digital frequency [DAB] that shall give a voice to new music artists in a way that they have never previously been offered. Amazing Radio shall only play music by unsigned artists, playing some of the 15,000 tracks that have been uploaded on to the Amazing music website [all of which are downloadable, with 70% of revenue going directly to the artist]. Trialling for six months, the self styled ‘democratic radio station’ is giving voice to new talent, both unsigned artists and presenters, and giving them a platform to display [...]

72 Rivington Street, located in the heart of Shoreditch, East London, is the new physical home of YCN, a multi - purpose space comprising of a public ground floor with a gallery space, a library and a shop, two floors of studio and an area on the rooftop too. Taking inspiration from the form and markings of the original building, a graphic identity for 72 Rivington Street has been created by Eat Sleep Work/Play as the beautiful furniture work  The space has been designed for YCN by the Klassnik corporation, with interiors installed by OKAY Studio and Rob Thuring.
YCN produce initiatives and [...]

Open for two weeks, and two weeks only, 143, located just off London’s artsy Carnaby Street, is a pop up store with a pioneering difference. Originally brought about due to the collaborative efforts of the creative powerhouse that is Kate Moross and cult fashion brand Silver Spoon Attire, whilst being supported by Gio Goi, 143 [the numbers standing for the amount of letters in the words I Love You – clever huh?] is a store packed full of beautiful bits and bobs that the creative teaming have decided to bring together under the one roof.
Treats and trinkets fill every [...]

Renowned for playing host to the some of the world’s largest artists, Wembley stage will soon host it’s first mobile phone performer, singer/songwriter Gary Go. Instead of using traditional instruments, Gary Go chooses to play music with his iPhone. Using his phone’s virtual recording studio application, Go has already successfully managed to recreate melodies on guitars, drums and the piano for his new album demo and now he’s attempting it live: ‘I think it’s pretty amazing that I’m going to be using a mobile phone on stage at Wembley Stadium in front of so many people’, he said. ‘My biggest [...]

Just when the economic situation is getting everyone down and dreary, there would appear to be a shiny, glitter-ball of light at the end of the tunnel. Usually saved for the Christmas party, disco is experiencing a serious comeback, proving it’s Stayin’ Alive in 2009. But don’t anticipate the familiar cheese; this revival isn’t for the faint hearted. London’s new disco scene boasts a whole host of nights catering to the musical needs of those with disco fever. To name a few, nights at Spangles, Tropicana and Disco Bloodbath are some of the best picks. DJ Dan Beaumont of Disco [...]

With the intention of addressing the question of, ‘How users of public space are engaging with their environment’, the environmental group Public Works are making and giving away free bags to the traders and locals of Petticoat Lane in London. Using bits and pieces of donated fabric that they have collected, the two artists make their bags while sewing outdoors, chatting and engaging with the local visitors. The aim of the project is to encourage fun and innovative ways of making people interact with the public space around them.
Initially shy to the idea, the locals of Petticoat Lane are now [...]

‘Assassins Creed 2’ is the highly anticipated sequel to ‘Assassins Creed’ due to be released by Ubisoft later on this year. Games developers at Ubisoft, keen to be at the forefront of their field, have employed the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in a teaser trailer, viewable here. We’ve discussed AR before, a category of visual design/gaming that cleverly combines elements of real-world and computer-generated graphics to display a scene or scenario in real time with incredible accuracy. The teaser website employs the use of Magic-Symbol technology, designed in-house by the Ubisoft team, inspired by existing Magic-Symbol software. Magic-symbol is [...]

Last night at London’s Sketch, Smirnoff held their first group of Masterclasses for anyone wanting to become or in the process of becoming ‘a Gentleman’. The ongoing series of classes include classic cocktail making from Tristan Stephenson, a top mixologist and Smirnoff Black Ambassador who demonstrates how to make the best Vodka martini and other cocktails along with advice on ingredients and glasswear. Featured last night was a pop-up barbershop where guests received a 15 minute personalised session from an employee of renowned salon Sharps using free skin care product from Hugo Boss and offering a few tips for future [...]