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What we stand to lose
The Crochet Coral Reef was started by sisters Christine and Margaret Wertheim in response to the environmental issues putting pressure on coral reefs. New patterns, materials, and designs mean, like…

What we stand to lose
The Crochet Coral Reef was started by sisters Christine and Margaret Wertheim in response to the environmental issues putting pressure on coral reefs. New patterns, materials, and designs mean, like natural coral reefs, the crochet version is constantly evolving.

The rise of 15-minute meetings
Employees at Asana conducted an experiment. After deleting all the meetings in their calendar, they waited two days before putting any back. And, when they did, there were fewer of…

The rise of 15-minute meetings
Employees at Asana conducted an experiment. After deleting all the meetings in their calendar, they waited two days before putting any back. And, when they did, there were fewer of them; they were less frequent and much shorter.

Who’s in your wallet?
If you’re curious about what you’d need to do to make it onto a banknote, check out The Pudding’s latest interactive essay about the famous figures who represent currencies around…

Who’s in your wallet?
If you’re curious about what you’d need to do to make it onto a banknote, check out The Pudding’s latest interactive essay about the famous figures who represent currencies around the world.

60 ways to be a little happier
The Guardian’s list of ways to be happier has something for everyone. Suggestions range from perfecting your front crawl and buying proper bin shoes to inventing new cocktails. A day…

60 ways to be a little happier
The Guardian’s list of ways to be happier has something for everyone. Suggestions range from perfecting your front crawl and buying proper bin shoes to inventing new cocktails. A day of country music got mixed reviews from the Curious team.

How to professionally say
There are times at work when all of us have held our tongues. But no more! This guide rephrases your internal dialogue into office-appropriate work speak: giving you a professional…

How to professionally say
There are times at work when all of us have held our tongues. But no more! This guide rephrases your internal dialogue into office-appropriate work speak: giving you a professional way to say what’s on your mind.

Get lost in nature
Only a short tube ride away is an outstanding array of forests and woodland. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, and plenty of wildlife: a walk in the woods is the perfect…

Get lost in nature
Only a short tube ride away is an outstanding array of forests and woodland. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, and plenty of wildlife: a walk in the woods is the perfect way to help you forget the stresses of the city.

Ideas for the future
Carbon-catching cow muzzles and airborne seed dispersers are two winners of The Terra Carta Design Lab. These ‘high-impact, low-cost solutions for the climate crisis’ will receive funding and support to…

Ideas for the future
Carbon-catching cow muzzles and airborne seed dispersers are two winners of The Terra Carta Design Lab. These ‘high-impact, low-cost solutions for the climate crisis’ will receive funding and support to take them from prototypes to real-life responses.

One kiss or two?
Is there anything worse than going for a hug when the person you’re meeting has opted for a handshake? Conventions for greeting others have developed over several decades but changing…

One kiss or two?
Is there anything worse than going for a hug when the person you’re meeting has opted for a handshake? Conventions for greeting others have developed over several decades but changing social situations have meant new ways of welcoming have crept into common use.

When art imitates life
Using real-life objects as inspiration means Bernie Kaminski often makes paper mâché models of the objects lying around his apartment. Self-taught and constantly improving, Bernie creates his art to make…

When art imitates life
Using real-life objects as inspiration means Bernie Kaminski often makes paper mâché models of the objects lying around his apartment. Self-taught and constantly improving, Bernie creates his art to make himself (and others) happy.

No more distractions
If your mind is prone to wander or your concentration span is shorter than a split second, an anti-procrastination café is what you need. For 300 Yen an hour, owner…

No more distractions
If your mind is prone to wander or your concentration span is shorter than a split second, an anti-procrastination café is what you need. For 300 Yen an hour, owner Takuya Kawai will keep you on track.

Could we build better trees?
Almost everyone agrees trees are excellent for the environment. Their carbon-capturing abilities are essential for the planet. Now scientists are wondering if they can design them better.

Could we build better trees?
Almost everyone agrees trees are excellent for the environment. Their carbon-capturing abilities are essential for the planet. Now scientists are wondering if they can design them better.

Design for all
Inclusive design creates experiences and products that everyone can experience – no matter their background. Cards for Humanity is an interactive tool that encourages designers to consider accessibility as they…

Design for all
Inclusive design creates experiences and products that everyone can experience – no matter their background. Cards for Humanity is an interactive tool that encourages designers to consider accessibility as they work.

AnonyMouse strikes again
Known only as AnonyMouse, an unidentified group of artists have infiltrated European towns and cities, installing miniature models for mice into unassuming streets. Their latest target: Malmö.

AnonyMouse strikes again
Known only as AnonyMouse, an unidentified group of artists have infiltrated European towns and cities, installing miniature models for mice into unassuming streets. Their latest target: Malmö.

The iPhone Macro Challenge
The abilities of phone cameras are revealed in the winning shots from Apple’s latest photography competition. All shot on iPhone 13 Pros, the images capture details that would escape the…

The iPhone Macro Challenge
The abilities of phone cameras are revealed in the winning shots from Apple’s latest photography competition. All shot on iPhone 13 Pros, the images capture details that would escape the most eagle-eyed amongst us.

Why do we name our cars?
We can develop complex and intimate connections with our belongings, even going as far as to give them names and personalities. But why do we do it? And how does…

Why do we name our cars?
We can develop complex and intimate connections with our belongings, even going as far as to give them names and personalities. But why do we do it? And how does it affect our relationships with them?

How curious are you?
Thinking in colour is a quiz that examines how black and white your thinking is. Measuring empathy, open-mindedness, flexibility, and intellectual curiosity; it creates a visual representation of what colours…

How curious are you?
Thinking in colour is a quiz that examines how black and white your thinking is. Measuring empathy, open-mindedness, flexibility, and intellectual curiosity; it creates a visual representation of what colours your mind.

DIY climate research
Cheaper technology, a fall in trust in governments, and a rising number of environmental crises mean that more and more people are beginning to take environmental research into their own…

DIY climate research
Cheaper technology, a fall in trust in governments, and a rising number of environmental crises mean that more and more people are beginning to take environmental research into their own hands.

Don’t throw stones in steel houses
For a brief few years after the Second World War, steel houses represented the future. Made in a factory in Lustron, Ohio, they could be shipped and assembled anywhere in…

Don’t throw stones in steel houses
For a brief few years after the Second World War, steel houses represented the future. Made in a factory in Lustron, Ohio, they could be shipped and assembled anywhere in the US. So, why didn’t houses with magnetic walls catch on?

Be a sustainable fashion lover
Being creative with our clothes is one way we can care for the planet. Upcycling, visible mending, and organising give our wardrobes longer lives. Buying less will reduce our environmental…

Be a sustainable fashion lover
Being creative with our clothes is one way we can care for the planet. Upcycling, visible mending, and organising give our wardrobes longer lives. Buying less will reduce our environmental impact.

Cut it out
Eiko Ojala has become the illustrator of choice for magazines and newspapers, including the Guardian and New York Times. With his distinctive cut out style, he creates simple yet striking…

Cut it out
Eiko Ojala has become the illustrator of choice for magazines and newspapers, including the Guardian and New York Times. With his distinctive cut out style, he creates simple yet striking statements.

An unlikely art thief
In 1961 a Goya masterpiece vanished from the National Gallery in London. Security saw no intruders. No damage was done. And no trace was left. The thief must have been…

An unlikely art thief
In 1961 a Goya masterpiece vanished from the National Gallery in London. Security saw no intruders. No damage was done. And no trace was left. The thief must have been a criminal mastermind. At least that was the theory.

Speaking candidly
The way we write can create barriers to who can read it. Plain language, a style of writing that uses straightforward sentences, language, and structure, aims to make text more…

Speaking candidly
The way we write can create barriers to who can read it. Plain language, a style of writing that uses straightforward sentences, language, and structure, aims to make text more accessible. Or, put simply. Plain language makes writing easy to read for more people.

Small is beautiful
Miniature art has become a social media fixation. But, at a new exhibition in Brompton, you can see your favourite artists in real life. Doors open 15th of April. Don’t…

Small is beautiful
Miniature art has become a social media fixation. But, at a new exhibition in Brompton, you can see your favourite artists in real life. Doors open 15th of April. Don’t forget your magnifying glass!

How pigeons took over the world
Numerous and noisy: pigeons have been described as the “rats of the sky”. Now one of the most populous species on the planet, their rise to domination was helped by…

How pigeons took over the world
Numerous and noisy: pigeons have been described as the “rats of the sky”. Now one of the most populous species on the planet, their rise to domination was helped by us.

Walk this way
Europe’s hills and mountains are home to some stunning scenery only accessible by foot. Brave the blisters, heavy bags and early mornings and you’ll be rewarded with a new appreciation…

Walk this way
Europe’s hills and mountains are home to some stunning scenery only accessible by foot. Brave the blisters, heavy bags and early mornings and you’ll be rewarded with a new appreciation of the great outdoors.

What can we do?
It’s Nice That is curating a list of resources in support of Ukraine. Links to petitions, charities to support, locations of donation points and ways to counteract propaganda are all…

What can we do?
It’s Nice That is curating a list of resources in support of Ukraine. Links to petitions, charities to support, locations of donation points and ways to counteract propaganda are all included.

The war in Ukraine could change everything
It’s too soon to speculate how the war will end. But it will certainly have implications for many years to come. Historian Yuval Noah Harari believes there are already lessons…

The war in Ukraine could change everything
It’s too soon to speculate how the war will end. But it will certainly have implications for many years to come. Historian Yuval Noah Harari believes there are already lessons to learn from the conflict.

Designers rally for Ukraine
Art in any form becomes even more meaningful during war. Katerina Korolevsta and fellow Ukrainian designers are using their talent to share with the world what is happening around them.

Designers rally for Ukraine
Art in any form becomes even more meaningful during war. Katerina Korolevsta and fellow Ukrainian designers are using their talent to share with the world what is happening around them.

Events, as they happen
The proliferation of information sources means news comes at us from every angle. For a concise account of events, the BBC’s Ukrainecast provides daily updates.

Events, as they happen
The proliferation of information sources means news comes at us from every angle. For a concise account of events, the BBC’s Ukrainecast provides daily updates.

The path to war
Ukraine has struggled to maintain its independence since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. In recent years, attempts to curtail Russian domination have resulted in the loss of…

The path to war
Ukraine has struggled to maintain its independence since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. In recent years, attempts to curtail Russian domination have resulted in the loss of life and territory. Now, Ukraine finds itself at war.

Here comes the rain again
We have Eunice and Franklin to thank for London’s recent bout of rotten weather. Though it can be tempting to curl up and power down when the rain starts –…

Here comes the rain again
We have Eunice and Franklin to thank for London’s recent bout of rotten weather. Though it can be tempting to curl up and power down when the rain starts – unless there’s a literal storm – London still has plenty to offer those wanting to explore.

The icing on the cake
Yvette Mayorga’s latest work is full of nostalgia. At first glance, her super sweet rendition of the Polly Pocket mansion is an uncomplicated ode to a 90s childhood. A deeper…

The icing on the cake
Yvette Mayorga’s latest work is full of nostalgia. At first glance, her super sweet rendition of the Polly Pocket mansion is an uncomplicated ode to a 90s childhood. A deeper look reveals a rich critique of excess and overconsumption delicately iced into her surrealist masterpiece.

Hidden image descriptions
‘May be an image of one person and a strawberry’ is an alt text description for the Mona Lisa. Picked up by screen readers, alt text is an invaluable tool…

Hidden image descriptions
‘May be an image of one person and a strawberry’ is an alt text description for the Mona Lisa. Picked up by screen readers, alt text is an invaluable tool for any user who’s blind or has low vision. When alt text is missing or mislabelled, web pages can be inaccessible for these users.

Why are letters shaped the way they are?
In linguistics, the rule of arbitrariness states there’s no natural or necessary connection between a word’s meaning and its sound or form. A cat is a cat simply because we…

Why are letters shaped the way they are?
In linguistics, the rule of arbitrariness states there’s no natural or necessary connection between a word’s meaning and its sound or form. A cat is a cat simply because we decided so. But new research suggests that’s not the case.

A familiar face
Energy, creativity, and passion poured out of Maria Bradford when we worked on her brand back in 2020. Her determination, and some out of this world recipes, meant we weren’t…

A familiar face
Energy, creativity, and passion poured out of Maria Bradford when we worked on her brand back in 2020. Her determination, and some out of this world recipes, meant we weren’t surprised to see her pop up on the Observer’s latest list of things they love in the world of food.

Portraits of a man (not on fire)
The only photo of Vincent Van Gogh shows a young 19-year-old, far from the figure he would become. And paintings by his contemporaries depict him as many kinds of men….

Portraits of a man (not on fire)
The only photo of Vincent Van Gogh shows a young 19-year-old, far from the figure he would become. And paintings by his contemporaries depict him as many kinds of men. But, most revealing perhaps are his self-portraits. See them on display at the Courtauld Gallery until the 8th of May.

Good news for bees
Bees have been nesting in crumbling bricks and mortar for hundreds of years. But, the bricks of new builds are too perfect to be suitable habitats. To rectify this, Brighton…

Good news for bees
Bees have been nesting in crumbling bricks and mortar for hundreds of years. But, the bricks of new builds are too perfect to be suitable habitats. To rectify this, Brighton Council has passed legislation that requires new buildings to include special bee bricks for lone bees to nest in.

The benefits of drawing by hand
The architect, Sir Peter Cook, is (self-professed) not a natural drawer. Yet, since he developed an interest in architecture as a child, he’s designed by hand. His determination to creatively…

The benefits of drawing by hand
The architect, Sir Peter Cook, is (self-professed) not a natural drawer. Yet, since he developed an interest in architecture as a child, he’s designed by hand. His determination to creatively express ideas spurred him on throughout his illustrious career.

Gargoyly McGargoyleface
Westminster Abbey should surely have known better than to trust Twitter with a naming project. With questionable puns, political commentary, and ‘Tony’ all in contention, their gargoyle is destined to…

Gargoyly McGargoyleface
Westminster Abbey should surely have known better than to trust Twitter with a naming project. With questionable puns, political commentary, and ‘Tony’ all in contention, their gargoyle is destined to end up with a unique name. #DowntoungueAbbeyForTheWin

Shadowy figures
In the shadows of everyday objects, Vincent Bal creates whimsical scenes. Using simple sketching, he inserts wit and humour. Scissors become an angry crocodile, headphones transform into a downcast dog,…

Shadowy figures
In the shadows of everyday objects, Vincent Bal creates whimsical scenes. Using simple sketching, he inserts wit and humour. Scissors become an angry crocodile, headphones transform into a downcast dog, and a pair of glasses frames a befuddled reader.

All good things must come to an end
Picture the scene. It’s very late, or very, very early. You’ve been dancing all night, and you’re on top of the world. The DJ plays one final track, and that…

All good things must come to an end
Picture the scene. It’s very late, or very, very early. You’ve been dancing all night, and you’re on top of the world. The DJ plays one final track, and that song comes to defines your memory. But, how do they know which song will perfectly fit the moment?

Waste not, want not
Former baker Yukiko Morita has found a way of combining her love of bread with her art – rescuing unsold bread and pastries from local bakeries and transforming them into…

Waste not, want not
Former baker Yukiko Morita has found a way of combining her love of bread with her art – rescuing unsold bread and pastries from local bakeries and transforming them into lamps. Her novel approach is proving popular.

Flirt like a Victorian
Mixed up in pickle jars or stuck in spiders’ webs, Victorian ladies spent time inserting pictures of friends and family into delightful and weird scenes. Full of visual puns and…

Flirt like a Victorian
Mixed up in pickle jars or stuck in spiders’ webs, Victorian ladies spent time inserting pictures of friends and family into delightful and weird scenes. Full of visual puns and inside jokes, they were a way to send coded messages to a secret beau.

Clouds to the rescue
Stuck in a dreary British winter, a spot of sun sounds like a wonderful thing. But, for the Great Barrier Reef, too much light does more harm than good. To…

Clouds to the rescue
Stuck in a dreary British winter, a spot of sun sounds like a wonderful thing. But, for the Great Barrier Reef, too much light does more harm than good. To reduce coral bleaching, scientists have looked to the clouds for a way to power down the sun.

Sorry, not sorry
In 2022 it’s hard not to be available. Emails and alerts can find us at any time, wherever we are. And, if we don’t reply instantly, we feel the need…

Sorry, not sorry
In 2022 it’s hard not to be available. Emails and alerts can find us at any time, wherever we are. And, if we don’t reply instantly, we feel the need to apologise and explain. But, when ‘Sorry for my late reply’ feels insincere, what alternatives are out there?

Water feature
Drop a raindrop anywhere in the world, and River Runner’s interactive map will transport you through the rivers, streams and mountains it travels along on its route towards the ocean….

Water feature
Drop a raindrop anywhere in the world, and River Runner’s interactive map will transport you through the rivers, streams and mountains it travels along on its route towards the ocean. It’s incredible how far one drop flows.

Everybody loves a comeback story
The creation of eccentric inventor Frederick Walton and long out of popular fashion, linoleum is staging a comeback. Eco-friendly and technically edible(!), the material has found favour with a new…

Everybody loves a comeback story
The creation of eccentric inventor Frederick Walton and long out of popular fashion, linoleum is staging a comeback. Eco-friendly and technically edible(!), the material has found favour with a new generation of interior designers.

Effortless improvements
Big resolutions can be daunting. So, if you’re not ready to run a marathon, cut out sugar or delete your social media, why not start smaller? These mini modifications can…

Effortless improvements
Big resolutions can be daunting. So, if you’re not ready to run a marathon, cut out sugar or delete your social media, why not start smaller? These mini modifications can make a big difference.

Pack your bags
However you plan to travel; soaking up culture or sunbeams, 2022 is a year for exploration. Get off the beaten track and try craft beer in Oregon, visit The Devil’s…

Pack your bags
However you plan to travel; soaking up culture or sunbeams, 2022 is a year for exploration. Get off the beaten track and try craft beer in Oregon, visit The Devil’s Museum in Kaunas or dive through the kelp forests off Stewart Island.

See the future
Big, bold and retro, It’s Nice That has rounded up its predictions of the design trends set to shape 2022. From 90s nostalgia to 3D art, they unpack what we’ll…

See the future
Big, bold and retro, It’s Nice That has rounded up its predictions of the design trends set to shape 2022. From 90s nostalgia to 3D art, they unpack what we’ll be seeing more of over the next 12 months.

Those Christmas lights keep shining on
Joes Miguel Sokoloff is one of the people responsible for a very unusual marketing campaign. Using creativity, welcoming words, and some well-placed Christmas lights, he helped thousands of guerrillas come…

Those Christmas lights keep shining on
Joes Miguel Sokoloff is one of the people responsible for a very unusual marketing campaign. Using creativity, welcoming words, and some well-placed Christmas lights, he helped thousands of guerrillas come home.

Out with sprouts
Mince pies. Turkey. Gingerbread houses. Pigs in blankets. Some foods are Christmas staples. Or maybe not. Recent research reveals several festive favourites might not be favourites after all.

Out with sprouts
Mince pies. Turkey. Gingerbread houses. Pigs in blankets. Some foods are Christmas staples. Or maybe not. Recent research reveals several festive favourites might not be favourites after all.

Best of the Bunch
Looking back at a year’s worth of ads, we’re reminded of all the twists this year took (cough *Covid* cough). But, in the face of uncertain times, the creativity and…

Best of the Bunch
Looking back at a year’s worth of ads, we’re reminded of all the twists this year took (cough *Covid* cough). But, in the face of uncertain times, the creativity and innovation of these brands put smiles on our faces.

Make someone’s Christmas
Some children won’t get presents this year. Not because they’re on the naughty list. You can be a Secret Santa for vulnerable children and bring them food, warmth, and happiness…

Make someone’s Christmas
Some children won’t get presents this year. Not because they’re on the naughty list. You can be a Secret Santa for vulnerable children and bring them food, warmth, and happiness this Christmas.

The most colourful time of the year
For the first time, Pantone has created a new shade for its annual colour pick. The periwinkle blue, with violet-red undertones, represents how colour trends in the digital and physical…

The most colourful time of the year
For the first time, Pantone has created a new shade for its annual colour pick. The periwinkle blue, with violet-red undertones, represents how colour trends in the digital and physical world influence each other.

Give it a rest
Taking a cheeky power nap might sound very tempting after a less than perfect night’s sleep, but it might do more harm than good. Sleep scientist Matt Walker shares the…

Give it a rest
Taking a cheeky power nap might sound very tempting after a less than perfect night’s sleep, but it might do more harm than good. Sleep scientist Matt Walker shares the pros and cons of an afternoon siesta.

Are you a budding musician?
With Typatone, anyone can be a composer. Type anything into their website and listen to it magically transform into a myriad of musical styles. We’ve had lots of fun thinking…

Are you a budding musician?
With Typatone, anyone can be a composer. Type anything into their website and listen to it magically transform into a myriad of musical styles. We’ve had lots of fun thinking about what Shareables might sound like.

Behind the scenes at the museum
Only a tiny 1% of the Smithsonian’s collection is on display across their 20 museums and galleries. That leaves a whole host of treasures tucked away in high-security storage. Want…

Behind the scenes at the museum
Only a tiny 1% of the Smithsonian’s collection is on display across their 20 museums and galleries. That leaves a whole host of treasures tucked away in high-security storage. Want to know what they’re hiding?

Podcasts for Curious minds
Wired are speaking our language. Curious podcasts – yes, please! From true crime and chat shows to Dolly Parton documentaries, podcasts soundtrack our day. And we’re always on the lookout…

Podcasts for Curious minds
Wired are speaking our language. Curious podcasts – yes, please! From true crime and chat shows to Dolly Parton documentaries, podcasts soundtrack our day. And we’re always on the lookout for our next listen.

Spilling the tea on Ruby Silvious
Ruby Silvious doesn’t let her teabags go to waste. They go from a morning brew to a blank canvas as they become the backdrop of her miniature paintings. It’s incredible…

Spilling the tea on Ruby Silvious
Ruby Silvious doesn’t let her teabags go to waste. They go from a morning brew to a blank canvas as they become the backdrop of her miniature paintings. It’s incredible how much detail fits on one tiny teabag.

Want to live forever?
That science is still a way off! But, living to 100 – increasingly probable. And staying healthy for as long as possible is key. Here’s what you need to do…

Want to live forever?
That science is still a way off! But, living to 100 – increasingly probable. And staying healthy for as long as possible is key. Here’s what you need to do to get your birthday letter from the Queen.

Unexpected everyday humour
Eric Kogan has an unprecedented ability to find humour in his surroundings – spotting quirky coincidences as he walks around the streets of New York City. He’s curated a whole…

Unexpected everyday humour
Eric Kogan has an unprecedented ability to find humour in his surroundings – spotting quirky coincidences as he walks around the streets of New York City. He’s curated a whole archive of unexpected images.

The big calendar
Every year Café Art hands out 100 single-use cameras to people affected by homelessness then gives them seven days to photograph their city. The diverse people, wildlife, and landmarks they…

The big calendar
Every year Café Art hands out 100 single-use cameras to people affected by homelessness then gives them seven days to photograph their city. The diverse people, wildlife, and landmarks they capture make up a Calendar of London.

The art of the cover letter
Applying for any job – even a dream job – is a minefield. But of all the unpleasant elements, the cover letter is the worst. How formal should you be?…

The art of the cover letter
Applying for any job – even a dream job – is a minefield. But of all the unpleasant elements, the cover letter is the worst. How formal should you be? How enthusiastic? And, how honest? In this essay, Rob Alderson shares our pain.

Can a font be sexist
Prescribing genders to type can be traced back to 1940s America, where retailers used fonts as gender signifiers for their kid’s products. Gendering and personalisation improved their sales – but,…

Can a font be sexist
Prescribing genders to type can be traced back to 1940s America, where retailers used fonts as gender signifiers for their kid’s products. Gendering and personalisation improved their sales – but, long term, has this done more harm than good?

Brilliant bookshops
That feeling when you walk into a bookshop – nothing beats it. The quiet calm. The smell of books, new and old. And, best of all, the thousands of worlds…

Brilliant bookshops
That feeling when you walk into a bookshop – nothing beats it. The quiet calm. The smell of books, new and old. And, best of all, the thousands of worlds waiting to be explored. Here are some of the best in the world.

A real-life haunted hotel
From the outside, the Skirvin Hotel looks normal. Pretty, even. But, book a room, and its true spirit is revealed. Guests report unexplained creaks, groans and ghostly apparitions. Are you…

A real-life haunted hotel
From the outside, the Skirvin Hotel looks normal. Pretty, even. But, book a room, and its true spirit is revealed. Guests report unexplained creaks, groans and ghostly apparitions. Are you brave enough to spend a night?

Whizz! Bang! Boom!
More than 800,000 fireworks were set off in the largest ever fireworks display, which lasted for over an hour. Whilst we can’t promise any of the events on this list…

Whizz! Bang! Boom!
More than 800,000 fireworks were set off in the largest ever fireworks display, which lasted for over an hour. Whilst we can’t promise any of the events on this list will break that record, they’re rumoured to be the best in the country.

Feel like you’re in a film
Wes Anderson’s films have a distinctive feel: full of pastel colours, symmetrical designs and more than a slight nostalgia for retro design. If they’re your cup of tea, why not…

Feel like you’re in a film
Wes Anderson’s films have a distinctive feel: full of pastel colours, symmetrical designs and more than a slight nostalgia for retro design. If they’re your cup of tea, why not visit these real-life locations that perfectly capture his aesthetic.

Look a little closer
Now in its third year, the Close-Up Photographer of the year contest receives all kinds of incredible entries. From salamander silhouettes to ants eating, the images give a glimpse into…

Look a little closer
Now in its third year, the Close-Up Photographer of the year contest receives all kinds of incredible entries. From salamander silhouettes to ants eating, the images give a glimpse into the delicate details of the natural world.

Why are so many of us casual spider killers?
It’s spider season! As the weather turns colder, spiders, like us, want to be warm and cosy in our houses. But, whilst all uninvited guests are a nuisance, what is…

Why are so many of us casual spider killers?
It’s spider season! As the weather turns colder, spiders, like us, want to be warm and cosy in our houses. But, whilst all uninvited guests are a nuisance, what is it about spiders that mean they’re likely to meet an untimely end?

How to be productive
Too much to see. Too much to do. So much time is taken up doing tedious (but necessary) tasks – they eat into the time we could be rollercoaster riding/dolphin…

How to be productive
Too much to see. Too much to do. So much time is taken up doing tedious (but necessary) tasks – they eat into the time we could be rollercoaster riding/dolphin watching/rainbow chasing. But use these handy hints and you’ll have more time for the good stuff.

An exciting opportunity
If you can work from home, why not work from Spain? Small towns there are attempting to reverse emigration by welcoming workers on ‘digital nomad visas’. Those who apply can…

An exciting opportunity
If you can work from home, why not work from Spain? Small towns there are attempting to reverse emigration by welcoming workers on ‘digital nomad visas’. Those who apply can expect traditional rural life – with superfast broadband.

Putting black history on the map
London’s iconic tube map has been reimagined in honour of Black History Month. In collaboration with the Black Cultural Archives, TFL has renamed every station to celebrate great black Britons…

Putting black history on the map
London’s iconic tube map has been reimagined in honour of Black History Month. In collaboration with the Black Cultural Archives, TFL has renamed every station to celebrate great black Britons from throughout history.

Spiral Sculptures
Drawing in the air – that’s what Lee Sangsoo considers his art. Using long strips of metal, he transforms his 2D illustrations into 3D sculptures. The flows, twists and subtle…

Spiral Sculptures
Drawing in the air – that’s what Lee Sangsoo considers his art. Using long strips of metal, he transforms his 2D illustrations into 3D sculptures. The flows, twists and subtle gradients bring his subjects to life.

Coffee everywhere
Coffee is the lifeblood of our studio. We’re always on the lookout for new places to try, so we were delighted to find this handy guide to the best independent…

Coffee everywhere
Coffee is the lifeblood of our studio. We’re always on the lookout for new places to try, so we were delighted to find this handy guide to the best independent shops in locations all over London. A great excuse to drink more coffee! Find your new local.

Photographing Ground Zero
In November 2001, Wim Wenders visited Ground Zero to capture the devastation caused by 9/11 and document the recovery operation then underway. A new exhibition at the Imperial War Museum…

Photographing Ground Zero
In November 2001, Wim Wenders visited Ground Zero to capture the devastation caused by 9/11 and document the recovery operation then underway. A new exhibition at the Imperial War Museum reveals the gravity of what he saw. Free until January 9th.

List of lists of lists
There really is a Wikipedia page for everything. The buttered cat paradox? Got it. The Twinkie defence? Naturally. George H. W. Bush’s broccoli comments? Covered. They even have a list…

List of lists of lists
There really is a Wikipedia page for everything. The buttered cat paradox? Got it. The Twinkie defence? Naturally. George H. W. Bush’s broccoli comments? Covered. They even have a list of lists of lists, which, of course, contains itself.

The guerrilla cyclists of New Mexico
Cycling is part of the solution to climate change. It’s a greener way to get around that’s sustainable and accessible. Some people are so certain about the role it’ll play…

The guerrilla cyclists of New Mexico
Cycling is part of the solution to climate change. It’s a greener way to get around that’s sustainable and accessible. Some people are so certain about the role it’ll play that they’re going to extreme lengths to get everyone on their bikes.

The Bond legacy
Gritty and beautiful. Taking inspiration from Bourne, Batman, and Black Widow – Daniel Craig’s era as James Bond aimed to modernise and rejuvenate a franchise that felt stuck in the…

The Bond legacy
Gritty and beautiful. Taking inspiration from Bourne, Batman, and Black Widow – Daniel Craig’s era as James Bond aimed to modernise and rejuvenate a franchise that felt stuck in the past. And, now that his tenure is over, it’s time to evaluate his success.

A creative fix
In cities throughout France, mosaics have crept into public spaces.

A creative fix
In cities throughout France, mosaics have crept into public spaces.

Overcoming setbacks
After a rough tackle ended in a broken leg, NFL quarterback Alex Smith was left questioning his future. With time and support, he slowly overcame his self-doubt and anxiety. Now,…

Overcoming setbacks
After a rough tackle ended in a broken leg, NFL quarterback Alex Smith was left questioning his future. With time and support, he slowly overcame his self-doubt and anxiety. Now, he shares his hard-won insights for dealing with setbacks.

Breaking boundaries
Since he knew that he was losing his sight, Ian Treherne has been obsessed with capturing moments on film. And the Paralympics were no exception. In his signature cinematic style,…

Breaking boundaries
Since he knew that he was losing his sight, Ian Treherne has been obsessed with capturing moments on film. And the Paralympics were no exception. In his signature cinematic style, he seized the opportunity to showcase inspiring young athletes.

15-minute neighbourhood
Pandemic restrictions have turned the idea of living, working, shopping, and socialising within walking distance into something that might actually be possible. But, what are the benefits of living locally?

15-minute neighbourhood
Pandemic restrictions have turned the idea of living, working, shopping, and socialising within walking distance into something that might actually be possible. But, what are the benefits of living locally?

50 reasons to love the world
With their new feature, BBC Travel hope to share joy and extraordinary stories from around the globe. Spotlighting thriving communities and natural wonders – they challenge you not to fall…

50 reasons to love the world
With their new feature, BBC Travel hope to share joy and extraordinary stories from around the globe. Spotlighting thriving communities and natural wonders – they challenge you not to fall in love with the world around you.

Solving the earth’s email inbox issue
It can be hard to compute that our digital activities have a real-world impact. But everything we do, even ignoring our email pile-up, adds up. So, maybe it’s time to…

Solving the earth’s email inbox issue
It can be hard to compute that our digital activities have a real-world impact. But everything we do, even ignoring our email pile-up, adds up. So, maybe it’s time to clear out your inbox.

Are your plants trying to talk to you?
It’s a proven fact that talking to your plants can help them grow. But, have you ever wondered if they could talk back? It turns out there’s a whole team…

Are your plants trying to talk to you?
It’s a proven fact that talking to your plants can help them grow. But, have you ever wondered if they could talk back? It turns out there’s a whole team of scientists investigating plant communications. So, one day soon, we might know what plants are saying.

Spitting image
Wilfrid Wood is probably best known for the satirical sculptures used in Spitting Image. But recently, he’s branched out into portraits, painting all the imperfections and idiosyncrasies of “curious people”…

Spitting image
Wilfrid Wood is probably best known for the satirical sculptures used in Spitting Image. But recently, he’s branched out into portraits, painting all the imperfections and idiosyncrasies of “curious people” who put themselves forward via Instagram. Would you volunteer?

Take a break
At the end of a hectic week, our minds can feel busy and full. To help you relax into the weekend, take a peek at Yuki Kawae’s zen gardens. Watching…

Take a break
At the end of a hectic week, our minds can feel busy and full. To help you relax into the weekend, take a peek at Yuki Kawae’s zen gardens. Watching his beautiful patterns emerge, all your stress will melt away.

Fantastic fungi
Time-lapse photography is an art that requires preparation and patience – two things Louie Schwartzberg must have in spades. He spent 15 years meticulously capturing stunning footage of a myriad…

Fantastic fungi
Time-lapse photography is an art that requires preparation and patience – two things Louie Schwartzberg must have in spades. He spent 15 years meticulously capturing stunning footage of a myriad of magical mushrooms for Netflix’s Fantastic Fungi documentary.

How to let your mind wander
Research suggests that people with freely moving thoughts are happier. The kind of thoughts that takes you from dinner deliberations to musings about the view from the Eiffel Tower. It’s…

How to let your mind wander
Research suggests that people with freely moving thoughts are happier. The kind of thoughts that takes you from dinner deliberations to musings about the view from the Eiffel Tower. It’s easy if you’re in the right mindset.

Size matters
As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists have noticed a strange phenomenon. Birds, fish, and even mammals are shrinking. For now, the changes seem small, but they could eventually push…

Size matters
As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists have noticed a strange phenomenon. Birds, fish, and even mammals are shrinking. For now, the changes seem small, but they could eventually push species towards extinction. But why is this happening? And what can we do to stop it?

Ease back into office small talk
All of us were beyond excited to move into our shiny new office this month. But, after more than a year of remote working, there was something a little curious…

Ease back into office small talk
All of us were beyond excited to move into our shiny new office this month. But, after more than a year of remote working, there was something a little curious in the air that first morning as we all tried to remember how to make small talk for longer than it takes everyone to join a Zoom call.

A Great British spraycation
2021 has been the summer of the staycation: even Banksy had one. The artist has been on a tour of East Anglia, leaving souvenirs in all the towns he visited….

A Great British spraycation
2021 has been the summer of the staycation: even Banksy had one. The artist has been on a tour of East Anglia, leaving souvenirs in all the towns he visited. Though it appears not everyone appreciated his gifts.

Keeping cool
In search of an eco-friendly alternative to the plastic shading sitting above their town, the council of Alhaurín de la Torre turned to local crochet teacher Eva Pacheco. With her…

Keeping cool
In search of an eco-friendly alternative to the plastic shading sitting above their town, the council of Alhaurín de la Torre turned to local crochet teacher Eva Pacheco. With her students, she has produced almost 500 square meters of colourful shade.

A big thumbs up
Thumbs up for good and down for bad. Universal symbols that transcend languages. Or so you might think. Only it turns out, like languages, hand signals don’t always translate. What…

A big thumbs up
Thumbs up for good and down for bad. Universal symbols that transcend languages. Or so you might think. Only it turns out, like languages, hand signals don’t always translate. What to you might mean ‘that’s great’ could be interpreted as an offensive gesture or a sign that you’re swimming back to the surface.

A message from the future
From 50 years in the future, sci-fi writer Kim Stanley Robinson reads a ‘history’ where humans have ended climate change and improved quality of life for all. His words lay…

A message from the future
From 50 years in the future, sci-fi writer Kim Stanley Robinson reads a ‘history’ where humans have ended climate change and improved quality of life for all. His words lay out a plan of what we might do to make his past our reality. Will we take his advice?

Slo-mo moths
Dr Adrian Smith has a history of filming insects in incredible slow motion. Recording 6000 frames per second, not even microscopic movement escapes his capture. Now, he’s turned his attention…

Slo-mo moths
Dr Adrian Smith has a history of filming insects in incredible slow motion. Recording 6000 frames per second, not even microscopic movement escapes his capture. Now, he’s turned his attention to moths, shooting their flight in stunning slow motion.

A visual history of Rickrolling
Rickrolling has gone from a fringe phenomenon to a universal pop culture reference: introducing Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up to a whole new generation. To commemorate the video…

A visual history of Rickrolling
Rickrolling has gone from a fringe phenomenon to a universal pop culture reference: introducing Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up to a whole new generation. To commemorate the video reaching 1,012,897,703 views on YouTube, The Pudding has done a deep dive to chart its history.

See monkey, do monkey
Fossil evidence suggests that early humans spent a lot of time in trees. So, climbing is literally in our bones. So much so that Germany’s Olympic climbing coach took inspiration…

See monkey, do monkey
Fossil evidence suggests that early humans spent a lot of time in trees. So, climbing is literally in our bones. So much so that Germany’s Olympic climbing coach took inspiration from their movements. Translating their twists and turns into tactics for his competitive climbers.

Very superstitious
Today is the only Friday 13th of 2021. A day so scary, it inspired a hit slasher film and compels the deeply suspicious to avoid leaving the house. Fear of…

Very superstitious
Today is the only Friday 13th of 2021. A day so scary, it inspired a hit slasher film and compels the deeply suspicious to avoid leaving the house. Fear of the number 13 even has its own name; triskaidekaphobia. But where did all this superstition come from?

Building sustainably
The Arc is the latest building to be completed on the site of the Green School: a private school in Bali promoting sustainability through learning in a natural environment. The…

Building sustainably
The Arc is the latest building to be completed on the site of the Green School: a private school in Bali promoting sustainability through learning in a natural environment. The intricate design is the most complicated they’ve attempted, but the months of research and planning were undoubtedly worth the spectacular results.

The devil’s in the details
It turns out that making something look simple is actually really, really complicated. Extensive planning goes into every one of Anna Devís and Daniel Rueda’s cheeky compositions. They don’t use…

The devil’s in the details
It turns out that making something look simple is actually really, really complicated. Extensive planning goes into every one of Anna Devís and Daniel Rueda’s cheeky compositions. They don’t use any editing software, so everything needs to come together flawlessly. #nofilter

Jelly finds favour
No longer the preserve of children’s parties and hospital meals, jelly is having a renaissance. Breaking free of its associations as a textureless, tasteless blob, it has become popular with…

Jelly finds favour
No longer the preserve of children’s parties and hospital meals, jelly is having a renaissance. Breaking free of its associations as a textureless, tasteless blob, it has become popular with grown-ups seeking a subtle and sophisticated taste sensation. But why is it making a comeback now?

Make better decisions
Like it’s that easy. Except, maybe it is. We put too much pressure on ourselves to always pick the perfect option. For a more relaxed approach to decision making, we…

Make better decisions
Like it’s that easy. Except, maybe it is. We put too much pressure on ourselves to always pick the perfect option. For a more relaxed approach to decision making, we need to take a leaf out of Jeff Bezos’ book (not something we ever thought we’d recommend!).

Hidden figures
The BBC’s Tokyo trailer is one of the stars of this year’s games. Inspired by Japanese anime and video games, a single shot carries viewers through a myriad of vibrant…

Hidden figures
The BBC’s Tokyo trailer is one of the stars of this year’s games. Inspired by Japanese anime and video games, a single shot carries viewers through a myriad of vibrant scenes. Hidden in the intricate details are references to the Olympics and athletes. How many can you spot?

How can a house just disappear
The year is 1994. Onboard a ferry heading for a remote Irish island, Neville Presho scans the shore for the house he hasn’t seen for eight years. It’s one of…

How can a house just disappear
The year is 1994. Onboard a ferry heading for a remote Irish island, Neville Presho scans the shore for the house he hasn’t seen for eight years. It’s one of the oldest and sits right above the harbour – it should be easy to see. But it isn’t there. It isn’t anywhere.

Friendly faces
The quirky characters at Nante’s Jardin des Plantes have three new friends. Stroll through the gardens, and you’ll spot Artist Jean Jullien’s colourful sculptures reclining in the grass, floating in…

Friendly faces
The quirky characters at Nante’s Jardin des Plantes have three new friends. Stroll through the gardens, and you’ll spot Artist Jean Jullien’s colourful sculptures reclining in the grass, floating in the lake and hiding amongst the trees all summer long.

Pockets of nature
Blooming between buildings, sprouting in backyards and taking route in abandoned plots, tiny forests the size of tennis courts are growing in cities all over the world. These patches of…

Pockets of nature
Blooming between buildings, sprouting in backyards and taking route in abandoned plots, tiny forests the size of tennis courts are growing in cities all over the world. These patches of nature provide shade, attract animals and insects and capture carbon – helping cities adapt to climate change.

Rebuild the world
What you can make with Lego is only limited by your imagination. But if you need a hit of inspiration, try Brickit. The AR app scans your pile of pieces…

Rebuild the world
What you can make with Lego is only limited by your imagination. But if you need a hit of inspiration, try Brickit. The AR app scans your pile of pieces and suggests which of Lego’s many sets you can build from what you have on hand. Time to dust off your collection.
Southgate, you’re the one
Great managers inspire teams. And Gareth Southgate inspired his to their first-ever Euro final. Though it didn’t end with football coming home, England hadn’t played so well in years (55…
Southgate, you’re the one
Great managers inspire teams. And Gareth Southgate inspired his to their first-ever Euro final. Though it didn’t end with football coming home, England hadn’t played so well in years (55 to be precise). But, what is it about Southgate’s leadership style that brought out the best in England?

Curious says relax
Composers have always seen the link between music and nature, but now scientists have found it too. Like music, natural sounds can influence our mood: make us feel safe, relaxed…

Curious says relax
Composers have always seen the link between music and nature, but now scientists have found it too. Like music, natural sounds can influence our mood: make us feel safe, relaxed and reduce our stress levels. Even digital versions can do us some good.

Tropical fruit
Peel back the layers of tropical fruit, and what do you get? A mesmerizing stop motion video. Toronto-based animator Kevin Parry strips kiwis, mangoes and dragon fruit, revealing their curious…

Tropical fruit
Peel back the layers of tropical fruit, and what do you get? A mesmerizing stop motion video. Toronto-based animator Kevin Parry strips kiwis, mangoes and dragon fruit, revealing their curious insides. But, perhaps even more enrapturing is how he did it.

A photographic tour of the British Isles
Jamie Hawkesworth approaches his subject with no preconceived notions. Instead of seeking out pubs, rain and cups of tea, he captures moments as he finds them. His most recent collection,…

A photographic tour of the British Isles
Jamie Hawkesworth approaches his subject with no preconceived notions. Instead of seeking out pubs, rain and cups of tea, he captures moments as he finds them. His most recent collection, The British Isles, is the culmination of a decade’s worth of observations from around the country.

What to do when climate change feels unstoppable
Combatting climate change can feel like an impossible task. With so much to do, what can one person achieve? But, as climate activist Clover Hogan explains, challenging the stories that…

What to do when climate change feels unstoppable
Combatting climate change can feel like an impossible task. With so much to do, what can one person achieve? But, as climate activist Clover Hogan explains, challenging the stories that make you feel powerless can be the first step to taking action.

What is the fluff factor?
Everyone has their rituals – little habits that make them feel better – and professional athletes are no different. For most tennis players choosing which ball to serve with is…

What is the fluff factor?
Everyone has their rituals – little habits that make them feel better – and professional athletes are no different. For most tennis players choosing which ball to serve with is one such custom. (Just check out Wimbledon.) But is it all just luck? Or is there some science behind their choices?

Back to nature
Now that summer’s truly underway, you might be in search of somewhere to cool off. To escape the crowds, forgo London’s lidos and head outside the city. Some of the…

Back to nature
Now that summer’s truly underway, you might be in search of somewhere to cool off. To escape the crowds, forgo London’s lidos and head outside the city. Some of the best wild swimming spots around are only a train ride away. You can thank us later.

A seven-day working week
What makes a pear taste like a pear? And how can you make something else taste like one? As a flavour inventor, Maria Wright tries to answer questions like this…

A seven-day working week
What makes a pear taste like a pear? And how can you make something else taste like one? As a flavour inventor, Maria Wright tries to answer questions like this every day. She’s invented over 1,500 flavours – including some you might have tried.

A seven-day working week
It’s time to evolve our working habits. At least according to design consultancy Arup, whose employees can work any day of the week. Extending the working week means they can…

A seven-day working week
It’s time to evolve our working habits. At least according to design consultancy Arup, whose employees can work any day of the week. Extending the working week means they can take time off during the week or work extended hours to unlock a longer weekend.

Refreshing recipes
From a fresh glass of lemonade to a classic banana split, Andrea Love makes all the summer staples. In her miniature kitchen, Love makes tutorials for recipes that look more…

Refreshing recipes
From a fresh glass of lemonade to a classic banana split, Andrea Love makes all the summer staples. In her miniature kitchen, Love makes tutorials for recipes that look more than good enough to eat. The catch? They’re made of wool.

Art without walls
East London has been transformed into England’s largest outdoor gallery. Over 500 works of art from independent galleries are on display from now until the 27th of June. Art appreciators…

Art without walls
East London has been transformed into England’s largest outdoor gallery. Over 500 works of art from independent galleries are on display from now until the 27th of June. Art appreciators can spend a sunny afternoon winding their way through the numerous displays.

How sound effects are made
Nestled away in rural Ontario, Footsteps Studio makes the sound effects for some of your favourite films. Using their extensive and eclectic collection of props, they can make sounds to…

How sound effects are made
Nestled away in rural Ontario, Footsteps Studio makes the sound effects for some of your favourite films. Using their extensive and eclectic collection of props, they can make sounds to fit any film: whether it’s creating the perfect splash or finding the ideal pair of shoes for footsteps.

Sculptural plants
Creating more nuance and vulnerability than should be possible using unspun wool, Salman Khoshroo sculpts bold faces. The portraits, inspired by his experience in quarantine, have been like therapy for…

Sculptural plants
Creating more nuance and vulnerability than should be possible using unspun wool, Salman Khoshroo sculpts bold faces. The portraits, inspired by his experience in quarantine, have been like therapy for Khoshroo. He finds joy in the juxtaposition of using a traditionally feminine material to interpret the masculine condition.

Love an ugly plant
The preference for aesthetically pleasing plants doesn’t just exist in the general population; scientists have it too. Their bias towards pretty plants means less conventionally appealing species are less likely…

Love an ugly plant
The preference for aesthetically pleasing plants doesn’t just exist in the general population; scientists have it too. Their bias towards pretty plants means less conventionally appealing species are less likely to be studied and could be disappearing without anyone noticing.

Future history
What defined your lockdown? Endless jigsaws, multiple attempts to perfect banana bread, or maybe a love-hate relationship with your laptop? In Future Archaeology of a Global Lockdown, Paula Zuccotti compiles…

Future history
What defined your lockdown? Endless jigsaws, multiple attempts to perfect banana bread, or maybe a love-hate relationship with your laptop? In Future Archaeology of a Global Lockdown, Paula Zuccotti compiles over 1000 images taken by people from around the world, representing their lockdown story through 15 objects.

50 curious facts
To celebrate the 50th edition of Shareables, we’ve found 50 curious facts to get your brain whirring. Click to discover: the dangerous consequences of sneezing too hard, the world’s most…

50 curious facts
To celebrate the 50th edition of Shareables, we’ve found 50 curious facts to get your brain whirring. Click to discover: the dangerous consequences of sneezing too hard, the world’s most stolen book, and which is the only mammal that can’t jump.

Types of curiosity
Exploring the world through Interest-Curiosity (the kind that makes you question who built the first snowman or decided to put milk in tea) can help you break bad habits and…

Types of curiosity
Exploring the world through Interest-Curiosity (the kind that makes you question who built the first snowman or decided to put milk in tea) can help you break bad habits and reduce anxiety. What a great reason to keep reading Shareables!

The return of art and culture
Britain has hundreds of museums, and now that they’re open again, it’s time to immerse yourself in all the curiosities they have to offer. Indulge your fascination for farm wagons…

The return of art and culture
Britain has hundreds of museums, and now that they’re open again, it’s time to immerse yourself in all the curiosities they have to offer. Indulge your fascination for farm wagons at The Museum of English Rural Life, or learn the history of Queen Victoria’s stockings in Framework Knitters Museum.

Light up London
For two months, from the 26th of May, Leadenhall Market will be alight with the glow of hundreds of neon signs as God’s Own Junkyard takes over the historic venue….

Light up London
For two months, from the 26th of May, Leadenhall Market will be alight with the glow of hundreds of neon signs as God’s Own Junkyard takes over the historic venue. The interactive display will be full of props from famous films like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. How many movies will you spot?

Watch your step
If you’re too busy texting to watch where you’re walking, never fear, Third Eye can do it for you. The eye, which rests on the forehead, can alert you to…

Watch your step
If you’re too busy texting to watch where you’re walking, never fear, Third Eye can do it for you. The eye, which rests on the forehead, can alert you to upcoming obstacles. Pretty clever but, if you think you need one, perhaps it could be time to reassess your relationship with your all-consuming phone!

A creative fix
In cities throughout France, mosaics have crept into public spaces. Cracks in the pavement and gaps in plaster have been filled with vivid geometric patterns. Boldly contrasting with their grey…

A creative fix
In cities throughout France, mosaics have crept into public spaces. Cracks in the pavement and gaps in plaster have been filled with vivid geometric patterns. Boldly contrasting with their grey surroundings, artist Ememem’s mosaics bring colour to everyday life.

Can an algorithm have good taste?
Conrad Withey has designed a new way to find up-and-coming musical talent. His system tracks streaming and social media data to identify artists who already have an audience. But, as…

Can an algorithm have good taste?
Conrad Withey has designed a new way to find up-and-coming musical talent. His system tracks streaming and social media data to identify artists who already have an audience. But, as he readily admits, what’s popular isn’t always good.

One font to rule them all
Since it dethroned Times New Roman 14 years ago, Calibri has been Microsoft’s default font. But now, they’re searching for its successor. Five custom fonts have been revealed as potential…

One font to rule them all
Since it dethroned Times New Roman 14 years ago, Calibri has been Microsoft’s default font. But now, they’re searching for its successor. Five custom fonts have been revealed as potential replacements, and Microsoft is asking the public for feedback. Always a risk!

Swimming with the fishes
When the sun goes down, self-taught photographer Steven Kovacs heads down to the ocean. It might seem counterintuitive, but this is the best time to capture some of the sea’s…

Swimming with the fishes
When the sun goes down, self-taught photographer Steven Kovacs heads down to the ocean. It might seem counterintuitive, but this is the best time to capture some of the sea’s more unusual inhabitants. The dark background highlights the most striking features of the life below the water’s surface.

Britain’s ancient rainforest
Nowadays we’re turning our homes into urban jungles. But, once upon a time, fairytale-like forests spread over the countryside. Many were lost long ago, but some still survive in secluded…

Britain’s ancient rainforest
Nowadays we’re turning our homes into urban jungles. But, once upon a time, fairytale-like forests spread over the countryside. Many were lost long ago, but some still survive in secluded and wild pockets of the world, and they need to be protected.

NOW that’s what I call inspiration
The right soundtrack can set up your day. Up-beat, down-tempo, old school or new wave: there’s music for every mood. And, for when you need to be inspired, there’s Brainstorm…

NOW that’s what I call inspiration
The right soundtrack can set up your day. Up-beat, down-tempo, old school or new wave: there’s music for every mood. And, for when you need to be inspired, there’s Brainstorm Radio. A collection of tunes curated by the great and the good of the creative industry.

Nothing breaks like an A.I. heart
In search of a better ending, Pamela Mishkin re-examines her last relationship in the form of an interactive essay. Co-written by GPT-3, a virtual text generator, the essay blurs the…

Nothing breaks like an A.I. heart
In search of a better ending, Pamela Mishkin re-examines her last relationship in the form of an interactive essay. Co-written by GPT-3, a virtual text generator, the essay blurs the lines between artificial and emotional intelligence. Find your own version of this interactive adventure.

How to prepare for a space flight
Just in case you ever find yourself about to take off, Megan McArthur shares her advice on how to prepare to shoot for the stars. Megan has already logged more…

How to prepare for a space flight
Just in case you ever find yourself about to take off, Megan McArthur shares her advice on how to prepare to shoot for the stars. Megan has already logged more than 500 million miles in space and so who better to share their experience.

Park life
London’s parks have provided a literal breath of fresh air for many in the past year. For those of us confined to the capital, they’ve become outdoor gyms, places to…

Park life
London’s parks have provided a literal breath of fresh air for many in the past year. For those of us confined to the capital, they’ve become outdoor gyms, places to gather with friends and a welcome connection to nature. It’s no surprise they’re some of the country’s favourites.

What are you afraid of?
The Curious Film Club is proud to recommend Conor Finnegan’s new short film ‘Fear of Flying’. The charming animation follows Dougal as several setbacks scupper his plans to hunker down…

What are you afraid of?
The Curious Film Club is proud to recommend Conor Finnegan’s new short film ‘Fear of Flying’. The charming animation follows Dougal as several setbacks scupper his plans to hunker down for the winter. Left with no other options, Dougal confronts his fears and flies south – but not in the way you’d expect.

Creativity on aisle four
The Design Museum’s Supermarket installation is motivated by the idea that creativity should be accessible to everyone. The aisles of the ’80s inspired shop will be stocked with essentials from…

Creativity on aisle four
The Design Museum’s Supermarket installation is motivated by the idea that creativity should be accessible to everyone. The aisles of the ’80s inspired shop will be stocked with essentials from kidney beans to loo roll, all wrapped up in packaging designed by emerging artists. Doors opened on April 21st.

Seaweed saves the world
14.5% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions come from livestock, and cows make up two-thirds of that figure. But there’s a solution: seaweed. A sprinkle of Asparagopsis taxiformis in a cow’s…

Seaweed saves the world
14.5% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions come from livestock, and cows make up two-thirds of that figure. But there’s a solution: seaweed. A sprinkle of Asparagopsis taxiformis in a cow’s dinner will reduce their methane production by 85%. Holy cow that’s a lot less methane!

Plastic fantastic
Described by its creator, Pascal Schelbli, as ‘simultaneously stunning and filthy’, short film The Beauty imagines the world on the ocean floor is made entirely of plastic. Bubble-wrap pufferfish swim…

Plastic fantastic
Described by its creator, Pascal Schelbli, as ‘simultaneously stunning and filthy’, short film The Beauty imagines the world on the ocean floor is made entirely of plastic. Bubble-wrap pufferfish swim serenely through coral made from plastic straws and cutlery, highlighting the extent to which we have already damaged a delicate ecosystem.

Best friends forever
Coronavirus restrictions have limited our opportunities for social interaction. Dinner parties? Cancelled. Post-work drinks? Online only. Zoom quiz? Please, not another one. So, it’s not surprising that one year on,…

Best friends forever
Coronavirus restrictions have limited our opportunities for social interaction. Dinner parties? Cancelled. Post-work drinks? Online only. Zoom quiz? Please, not another one. So, it’s not surprising that one year on, certain friendships have fallen by the wayside. But is prioritising who we spend time with actually a bad thing?

Fruit for thought
Have you heard of a medlar? It featured in the Canterbury Tales and Romeo and Juliet, but now it’s not available in a single British supermarket. How did one of…

Fruit for thought
Have you heard of a medlar? It featured in the Canterbury Tales and Romeo and Juliet, but now it’s not available in a single British supermarket. How did one of medieval Europe’s favourite fruits go from a dietary staple to a distant memory in less than a hundred years?

Immerse yourself in art
Art lovers rejoice! The world’s most visited museum has made almost 500,000 works from its collections available online. Now you can wander through the Louvre’s virtual galleries admiring the art…

Immerse yourself in art
Art lovers rejoice! The world’s most visited museum has made almost 500,000 works from its collections available online. Now you can wander through the Louvre’s virtual galleries admiring the art while you wait for their doors to reopen IRL. Merci beaucoup le Louvre!

An ode to the overlooked
In the past, mosaics depicted epic tales, gods and objects of value. Ruaidhri Ryan has taken a different approach. His mosaics feature items most would consider mundane, typical of contemporary…

An ode to the overlooked
In the past, mosaics depicted epic tales, gods and objects of value. Ruaidhri Ryan has taken a different approach. His mosaics feature items most would consider mundane, typical of contemporary life. He finds humour in the juxtaposition of his subjects’ perceived value and the time and labour he puts into honouring them.

Inappropriate behaviour
The star of Anna Matzaris’ new stop motion short film displays increasingly improper workplace behaviour from stealing food to cutting someone’s tie off in a meeting – none of which…

Inappropriate behaviour
The star of Anna Matzaris’ new stop motion short film displays increasingly improper workplace behaviour from stealing food to cutting someone’s tie off in a meeting – none of which will stand you in good stead for a promotion. But beneath the humour, the film highlights how becoming a mother can actually trump every inappropriate action when it comes to career progression.

Banksy meets Bob Ross
Chemical engineer turned artist Masayoshi Matsumoto creates sculptures from balloons. He can twist and fashion any animal you can imagine, from a hummingbird to a jellyfish. His Instagram feed, where…

Banksy meets Bob Ross
Chemical engineer turned artist Masayoshi Matsumoto creates sculptures from balloons. He can twist and fashion any animal you can imagine, from a hummingbird to a jellyfish. His Instagram feed, where he documents his work, could convince anyone that balloons are not just for children.

Not child’s play
Chemical engineer turned artist Masayoshi Matsumoto creates sculptures from balloons. He can twist and fashion any animal you can imagine, from a hummingbird to a jellyfish. His Instagram feed, where…

Not child’s play
Chemical engineer turned artist Masayoshi Matsumoto creates sculptures from balloons. He can twist and fashion any animal you can imagine, from a hummingbird to a jellyfish. His Instagram feed, where he documents his work, could convince anyone that balloons are not just for children.

Bucket list inspiration
Shake off the lockdown blues by taking a look at some of the most colourful destinations from across the world. This is a golden opportunity to start planning a trip…

Bucket list inspiration
Shake off the lockdown blues by taking a look at some of the most colourful destinations from across the world. This is a golden opportunity to start planning a trip that will make your friends green with envy. So, when travelling becomes more than a rose-tinted memory, you can head straight to Rainbow Mountain.
Design your life
‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ An innocent question with the power to send you spiralling. Most people don’t have their whole life planned. But, if you’re asking…
Design your life
‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ An innocent question with the power to send you spiralling. Most people don’t have their whole life planned. But, if you’re asking yourself, ‘what’s next?’, Professor of design, Bill Burnett, has five tips for how applying design-based thinking can help you re-envision your life.

Out of this world
If grapes can survive in space, they can survive anywhere. That was Space Cargo Unlimited’s thought when they sent 320 grapevines to the International Space Station. They hope the grapes…

Out of this world
If grapes can survive in space, they can survive anywhere. That was Space Cargo Unlimited’s thought when they sent 320 grapevines to the International Space Station. They hope the grapes will evolve up there to then be able to grow in harsher conditions on Earth. So, in the case of climate disaster, at least there will be wine.

Through the looking glass
Love it or hate it, working from home has been part of the ‘new normal’ for nearly a year. And while we’ve enjoyed the extra half hour in bed, we’ve…

Through the looking glass
Love it or hate it, working from home has been part of the ‘new normal’ for nearly a year. And while we’ve enjoyed the extra half hour in bed, we’ve missed the hustle and bustle of the office. Sam Mellish’s new photography collection holds up a mirror to the reality of working from home.

A curious turn of events
Have you ever wondered how Stockholm Syndrome got its name? The film industry portrays it as romantic (we’re looking at you Beauty and the Beast), but ultimately illogical. Yet, in…

A curious turn of events
Have you ever wondered how Stockholm Syndrome got its name? The film industry portrays it as romantic (we’re looking at you Beauty and the Beast), but ultimately illogical. Yet, in the original case, defending the kidnappers might have been the most rational course of action…

Art is everywhere
Even your washing has the potential to become a masterpiece. Visual artist Helga Stentzel makes art from the everyday objects around her. Her latest works of ‘household surrealism’ are Pegasus…

Art is everywhere
Even your washing has the potential to become a masterpiece. Visual artist Helga Stentzel makes art from the everyday objects around her. Her latest works of ‘household surrealism’ are Pegasus and Smoothie; animals made out of unwanted clothes. More animals coming soon.

You are what you eat
Not literally. But food is an important part of culture. In Singapore, the hawker markets are a physical representation of the country’s identity. They sell food from the Chinese, Malay…

You are what you eat
Not literally. But food is an important part of culture. In Singapore, the hawker markets are a physical representation of the country’s identity. They sell food from the Chinese, Malay and Indian communities that live there and have grown and changed alongside Singapore. So much so, that they’re now UNESCO recognised.

A New York minute
It’s easy to get lost in big questions. We know, we ask them all the time. What if we make the wrong decisions? Should we be doing more? Does what…

A New York minute
It’s easy to get lost in big questions. We know, we ask them all the time. What if we make the wrong decisions? Should we be doing more? Does what we do even matter? This charmingly illustrated short film reminds us all to stop, breathe, and enjoy the moment. No one knows all the answers.

Another way of looking at it
When Christoph Niemann looks at an apple, he sees a whisk. As part of his Sunday Series on Instagram, Niemann, who is well known for playing with scale and position,…

Another way of looking at it
When Christoph Niemann looks at an apple, he sees a whisk. As part of his Sunday Series on Instagram, Niemann, who is well known for playing with scale and position, incorporates everyday objects into his illustrations. The result is a collection of quirky and clever compositions.

See the world
Experience your travel plans vicariously through the winning entries of the Sony World Photography Awards 2021. From awe-inducing ariel shots to striking portraits, the images from more than 50 countries…

See the world
Experience your travel plans vicariously through the winning entries of the Sony World Photography Awards 2021. From awe-inducing ariel shots to striking portraits, the images from more than 50 countries capture the earth’s beauty and diversity. So you can explore the world from your own home.

The writing’s on the wall
Graphic artist Anthony Burrill has been busy in lockdown. He’s brought his signature style to a seven-story high mural in central Leeds. In a behind the scenes documentary, Burrill explains…

The writing’s on the wall
Graphic artist Anthony Burrill has been busy in lockdown. He’s brought his signature style to a seven-story high mural in central Leeds. In a behind the scenes documentary, Burrill explains how he decided on the design and why it signifies to him “a particular moment and a particular time” during the global crisis.

The view from above
The ‘overview effect’ describes how astronauts’ perspectives change when they look down on Earth from space. Benjamin Grant and Timothy Dougherty want everyone to be able to experience this. Their…

The view from above
The ‘overview effect’ describes how astronauts’ perspectives change when they look down on Earth from space. Benjamin Grant and Timothy Dougherty want everyone to be able to experience this. Their new book uses satellite and aerial imagery to show readers the world from high above.

Judging a book by a cover
Ladybird’s ‘What to Look for’ series has a new look. The books, which were published in the 1950s, have been modernised to teach a new generation of children about the…

Judging a book by a cover
Ladybird’s ‘What to Look for’ series has a new look. The books, which were published in the 1950s, have been modernised to teach a new generation of children about the world around them. The new illustrations both celebrate nature and warn of the dangers that threaten it.

Setting the scene
With meticulous attention to detail, Thomas Duke has been recreating famous film scenes in London and beyond. By matching stills from films to the locations in which they were shot,…

Setting the scene
With meticulous attention to detail, Thomas Duke has been recreating famous film scenes in London and beyond. By matching stills from films to the locations in which they were shot, Duke has brought characters from the distant past and magical worlds to familiar modern-day sites.

Are you the next Picasso?
The Great Big Art Exhibition is open! From now until April, renowned artists including Ai Weiwei and Sonia Boyce are setting the nation new themes to respond to every fortnight….

Are you the next Picasso?
The Great Big Art Exhibition is open! From now until April, renowned artists including Ai Weiwei and Sonia Boyce are setting the nation new themes to respond to every fortnight. Everyone is encouraged to draw, sculpt, paint or build their own works of art and display them in their windows. Time to dig out your watercolours.

Happy New Year
No, we’re not a month late – the Chinese New Year begins next Friday. It will mark the start of the Year of the Ox believed to be a symbol…

Happy New Year
No, we’re not a month late – the Chinese New Year begins next Friday. It will mark the start of the Year of the Ox believed to be a symbol of hard work, intelligence and honesty. Did you know that more than a billion people celebrate Chinese New Year, with more fireworks set off in celebration on this night than any other all year round?

Don’t write it off
In the UK, 60% of wasted food is still safe to consume: Solveiga Pakštaitė created Mimica Touch to combat this problem. While best before dates provide a worst-case scenario, Pakštaitė’s…

Don’t write it off
In the UK, 60% of wasted food is still safe to consume: Solveiga Pakštaitė created Mimica Touch to combat this problem. While best before dates provide a worst-case scenario, Pakštaitė’s temperature-sensitive labels give a more accurate indication of whether food is safe to eat combined with a fun tactile twist.

All in a day’s work
In partnership with Mailchimp, It’s Nice That presents a new animated series detailing the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life. Brought to life with humour, energy and emotion, the situations…

All in a day’s work
In partnership with Mailchimp, It’s Nice That presents a new animated series detailing the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life. Brought to life with humour, energy and emotion, the situations the characters find themselves in are easy to relate to, even if you aren’t a business owner.

What was I saying?
It’s curious which things stick in our minds. Why is it that you can remember your 5th birthday party but not what you ate for dinner last week? Whatever the…

What was I saying?
It’s curious which things stick in our minds. Why is it that you can remember your 5th birthday party but not what you ate for dinner last week? Whatever the reason, if you want to improve your memory, it might be as simple as chewing gum while you work. Try these tips and see what works for you.

The world’s first GIF
Over 150 years before the first animated GIF, Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau invented the phenakistoscope. This device showed users a series of images in rapid succession. To viewers, these appeared…

The world’s first GIF
Over 150 years before the first animated GIF, Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau invented the phenakistoscope. This device showed users a series of images in rapid succession. To viewers, these appeared to be a single moving picture. Colossal has curated a collection of digitised phenakistoscope images.

Make your house a home
As many of us are spending more time at home than ever before, our houses should be somewhere we feel comfortable. The Modern House has put together a list of…

Make your house a home
As many of us are spending more time at home than ever before, our houses should be somewhere we feel comfortable. The Modern House has put together a list of suggestions for turning your house into a safe haven. While installing a wine tap might seem like a pipe dream, their other ideas are infinitely more doable.

Beauty in everyday things
Tatsuya Tanaka has been crafting scenes from everyday items and tiny figures for 10 years. His work has featured Oreos as pianos and melons as bridges. Recently his art has…

Beauty in everyday things
Tatsuya Tanaka has been crafting scenes from everyday items and tiny figures for 10 years. His work has featured Oreos as pianos and melons as bridges. Recently his art has featured objects that have become synonymous with coronavirus. Facemasks and toilet rolls have transformed from objects that represent the pandemic to ski slopes and camping grounds.

Want to mouth off?
Complaining about life and society is not a recent development. Renaissance-era Venetians had a unique system for registering complaints. Instead of taking to Twitter, they could post their rantings in…

Want to mouth off?
Complaining about life and society is not a recent development. Renaissance-era Venetians had a unique system for registering complaints. Instead of taking to Twitter, they could post their rantings in the bocche di leone (or Lion’s mouths) scattered around the city. A great comms channel for getting citizens’ issues directly to their government.

Reasons to be cheerful
There’s no getting around it 2020 was a difficult year for everyone, but small things made it better. With the promise of a vaccine roll out this year, we can…

Reasons to be cheerful
There’s no getting around it 2020 was a difficult year for everyone, but small things made it better. With the promise of a vaccine roll out this year, we can begin to think about a time after coronavirus. Planning ahead and having nice things waiting for us is vital for mental health and with that in mind here are 21 things to look forward to in 2021.

The world’s most stolen painting
Over the years the Ghent Altarpiece has been burned, pawned and stolen. To this day, the disappearance of one of its panels is under investigation. Curious to know more, art…

The world’s most stolen painting
Over the years the Ghent Altarpiece has been burned, pawned and stolen. To this day, the disappearance of one of its panels is under investigation. Curious to know more, art historian, Noah Charney’s TED video provides a short history of this much-coveted masterpiece.

Looks good enough to eat
Matching festive flavours and designs, Sugar Lab, the LA-based digital bakery, has created a series of 3D candies and ornaments perfect for the holidays. Each design is the result of…

Looks good enough to eat
Matching festive flavours and designs, Sugar Lab, the LA-based digital bakery, has created a series of 3D candies and ornaments perfect for the holidays. Each design is the result of collaboration between designers and chefs so you can be sure they taste as good as they look.

The show must go online
The Christmas show is a time-honoured tradition. You might not make it to your local pantomime this year (Oh no you won’t!), but the wonder of technology means the theatre…

The show must go online
The Christmas show is a time-honoured tradition. You might not make it to your local pantomime this year (Oh no you won’t!), but the wonder of technology means the theatre can come to you. Timeout has put together a guide of the best shows available to stream in December. An enjoyable way to support the Arts to make sure your theatre-going days aren’t behind you.

Navigating the boardgame ban
Government advice warns against playing games outside your bubble. But, if a recent Netflix series has awoken your passion for chess, don’t fear; there are plenty of ways to improve…

Navigating the boardgame ban
Government advice warns against playing games outside your bubble. But, if a recent Netflix series has awoken your passion for chess, don’t fear; there are plenty of ways to improve without in-person competition. So, this time next year you might be winning opens, regionals, and grudge matches against close family members.

Window shopping
Pressure on big department stores to outdo themselves and each other year on year has led to Christmas window displays becoming bigger, brighter and more creative than ever before. Highlights…

Window shopping
Pressure on big department stores to outdo themselves and each other year on year has led to Christmas window displays becoming bigger, brighter and more creative than ever before. Highlights from this year’s offerings include a Santa following government guidelines, a reimagining of Wind in the Willows and some tongue-in-cheek Scrooge spirit.

Patagonia takes a stand
Patagonia is well known for its creative calls to action. The company has been challenging consumers to practice smarter shopping habits since their ‘don’t buy this jacket’ advert in 2011….

Patagonia takes a stand
Patagonia is well known for its creative calls to action. The company has been challenging consumers to practice smarter shopping habits since their ‘don’t buy this jacket’ advert in 2011. This year’s Black Friday ad uses clever wordplay to challenge attitudes towards climate change. Curious about the content? Here’s a hint. meop elbasrever.

Awkward!
Life is full of cringe moments that make you want to disappear into thin air. Like waving back at someone who is waving to the person behind you. Or forgetting…

Awkward!
Life is full of cringe moments that make you want to disappear into thin air. Like waving back at someone who is waving to the person behind you. Or forgetting the name of someone you’re talking to. It’s what makes us endearingly human. As this award-winning animation by Nata Metlukh shows.

Paving the way
Los Angeles is literally paving the way to a greener future. Using plastic waste, otherwise destined for landfill, to replace the oily sludge called bitumen that is normally used to…

Paving the way
Los Angeles is literally paving the way to a greener future. Using plastic waste, otherwise destined for landfill, to replace the oily sludge called bitumen that is normally used to hold roads together. While there’s some doubt about long term effects, it’s encouraging to see governments looking for environmentally friendly solutions.

Guinea pigs are the future
Previous editions of Daniel Gebhart Koekkoek’s annual calendar have focused on leaping cats and llamas in unexpected places. This year it’s guinea pigs that have captured his attention. Elevated from…

Guinea pigs are the future
Previous editions of Daniel Gebhart Koekkoek’s annual calendar have focused on leaping cats and llamas in unexpected places. This year it’s guinea pigs that have captured his attention. Elevated from nostalgic childhood pets to pin-up stars, Glynis, Belissa, and friends will put a smile on your face in 2021. Curious about his inspiration, find out more below.

Think before you thank
‘Did you see this?’ Brits send 64 million pointless emails every day. And every one requires electricity consumption from devices, networks and data centres. Sending fewer emails could reduce carbon…

Think before you thank
‘Did you see this?’ Brits send 64 million pointless emails every day. And every one requires electricity consumption from devices, networks and data centres. Sending fewer emails could reduce carbon emissions by 16,433 tonnes a year. So, be an eco-hero and think before you send that email. Cheers.

Battle of the brands
‘Tis the season for Christmas ad competition. We’re curious to see how 2020 has shaped this year’s festive offerings. After a difficult year for retail, these ads have provided some…

Battle of the brands
‘Tis the season for Christmas ad competition. We’re curious to see how 2020 has shaped this year’s festive offerings. After a difficult year for retail, these ads have provided some Christmas cheer. From a determined carrot to a reimagining of Singing in the Rain and an invitation to spread some kindness, here’s a selection of this year’s best ads.

What does music look like?
Not an easy question, but one that Clemens Wenger has tried to answer. With live music and events cancelled for the foreseeable future, Wenger has looked for alternative ways to…

What does music look like?
Not an easy question, but one that Clemens Wenger has tried to answer. With live music and events cancelled for the foreseeable future, Wenger has looked for alternative ways to present his new album. His solution is an interactive website where the audience can interact with graphics inspired by his love of physics. Have a play.

Working hard but not improving?
How do you get better and better at the things you love to do? It’s hard to keep motivated if improvement isn’t driving you forward. We found this TED Talk…

Working hard but not improving?
How do you get better and better at the things you love to do? It’s hard to keep motivated if improvement isn’t driving you forward. We found this TED Talk from Eduardo Briceño really inspiring. Especially the bit about ‘Zones’ – the learning zone and the performance zone. Discover more about his helpful techniques.

Lockdown 2
What we all need to do is stay curious – there’s never a dull moment when you do. So, follow the link to step back in time, head off on…

Lockdown 2
What we all need to do is stay curious – there’s never a dull moment when you do. So, follow the link to step back in time, head off on safari, join Nasa in space, dive into fiction or simply learn something new. From insightful podcasts to livestreams, we love a bit of lockdown fun.

Constraints inspire creativity
‘Tis true! Give yourself a constraint – time, money, word count – and your brain leaps into action; becoming more inventive than ever before. Look at Dr. Seuss who was…

Constraints inspire creativity
‘Tis true! Give yourself a constraint – time, money, word count – and your brain leaps into action; becoming more inventive than ever before. Look at Dr. Seuss who was challenged to write a children’s book using only 50 different words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham – say no more!

Life amongst the stars
The International Space Station is easy to see if you know where to look. (It orbits our planet 16 times a day.) It’s hard to believe humans have lived onboard…

Life amongst the stars
The International Space Station is easy to see if you know where to look. (It orbits our planet 16 times a day.) It’s hard to believe humans have lived onboard for 20 years. What on earth must life be like? We were curious to explore the extraordinary detail of the interior space.

Once in a blue moon
Halloween and astrology lovers are about to get very excited. A full moon on Halloween only happens once in a blue moon – every 18 to 19 years, to be…

Once in a blue moon
Halloween and astrology lovers are about to get very excited. A full moon on Halloween only happens once in a blue moon – every 18 to 19 years, to be exact. Needless to say, you won’t want to miss this tomorrow. The next blue moon on Halloween is in 2039! Happy pumpkin day.

Test run for future concerts
Would you enclose yourself in a huge plastic bubble to see your favourite band? You can sing along safely. Everyone is protected. What’s not to love. This is exactly what…

Test run for future concerts
Would you enclose yourself in a huge plastic bubble to see your favourite band? You can sing along safely. Everyone is protected. What’s not to love. This is exactly what American rock band Flaming Lips has been testing out for future concerts. It could catch on.

Work email clichés
From “I hope this email finds you well” to “thanks in advance”, the same well-worn phrases, “I’m just reaching out”, there’s another, are plain insincere. Why have we got ourselves…

Work email clichés
From “I hope this email finds you well” to “thanks in advance”, the same well-worn phrases, “I’m just reaching out”, there’s another, are plain insincere. Why have we got ourselves into such a clichéd way of communicating? Is it easier? What can we do about it? For starters, let’s be aware.

The diabolical ironclad beetle
Hello, little one. Tell us what’s so amazing about you. Found in wooded areas of the US west coast, this beetle can survive loads of about 39,000 times its body…

The diabolical ironclad beetle
Hello, little one. Tell us what’s so amazing about you. Found in wooded areas of the US west coast, this beetle can survive loads of about 39,000 times its body weight. Close examination revealed an interlocking exoskeleton and inspiration for next-generation materials.

Stop interrupting
We seem born to do it. Words are flowing, then whoa! Eleven seconds in – seems to be the average time – our colleagues interrupt. Just as solutions are forming,…

Stop interrupting
We seem born to do it. Words are flowing, then whoa! Eleven seconds in – seems to be the average time – our colleagues interrupt. Just as solutions are forming, apologising as they do it! The world would be so different if only we had the luxury of finishing our sentences. What can we do?

Procrastination
If you’re someone who takes ages to change a light bulb, refill the windscreen wiper fluid, or oil a squeaky door, may we point you in the direction of this…

Procrastination
If you’re someone who takes ages to change a light bulb, refill the windscreen wiper fluid, or oil a squeaky door, may we point you in the direction of this highly illuminating article. Great news! Procrastination doesn’t have to plague your life. It just needs looking at differently.

The UK’s first Pride train
Avanti West Coast want to shout loud and proud about the launch of their new Pride train. Now a permanent part of the fleet and wonderfully displaying all the colours…

The UK’s first Pride train
Avanti West Coast want to shout loud and proud about the launch of their new Pride train. Now a permanent part of the fleet and wonderfully displaying all the colours of the Pride flag, this represents a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. And the new nameplate for the train? Progress.

Unseen ruins of Chernobyl
On 26th April 1986 at 1:23 am in Control Room 4, a malfunction occurred, causing the worst nuclear disaster in world history. Thousands abandoned their homes, leaving the area desolate…

Unseen ruins of Chernobyl
On 26th April 1986 at 1:23 am in Control Room 4, a malfunction occurred, causing the worst nuclear disaster in world history. Thousands abandoned their homes, leaving the area desolate to this day. Writer and photographer Darmon Richter ventures into the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Let’s talk crap
Product design seems to have overlooked the humble toilet roll holder. The Marta Gallery in LA put out a great brief to raise its stature in the bathroom while drawing…

Let’s talk crap
Product design seems to have overlooked the humble toilet roll holder. The Marta Gallery in LA put out a great brief to raise its stature in the bathroom while drawing attention to the impact of tree-derived products. Here, the curators present some re-imaginings from the functional to the conceptual.

The Zoom of tomorrow
In this work-from-home era, Zoom has kept us connected so we can gather and share ideas. We’re grateful for the tech but it’s limiting at times. You can’t collaborate on…

The Zoom of tomorrow
In this work-from-home era, Zoom has kept us connected so we can gather and share ideas. We’re grateful for the tech but it’s limiting at times. You can’t collaborate on projects, file share, see each other clearly…we were curious to learn how these designers were fixing it.

When birds change their tune
In a curious way, the pandemic has given us a glimpse of a quieter world. With a drop in noise levels, urban male birds have switched to a different song….

When birds change their tune
In a curious way, the pandemic has given us a glimpse of a quieter world. With a drop in noise levels, urban male birds have switched to a different song. Sweeter, purer, a more complex sound – more attractive to female birds. For a while, birds didn’t need to sacrifice song quality to be heard above all our din. Every cloud.

Our cities reimagined
Here’s the brief. If you had to redesign our cities to accommodate a world in which we could no longer live in close proximity, what would you do? Build socially…

Our cities reimagined
Here’s the brief. If you had to redesign our cities to accommodate a world in which we could no longer live in close proximity, what would you do? Build socially distanced outdoor meeting rooms? Transform streets into miniature greenbelts? Turn cities into a collection of little villages? Four architects share their visions.

Dreading a dark winter in lockdown?
With winter drawing near, sorry to mention, we could take inspiration from Norway and their positive mindset when dealing with the long ‘polar night’. They see the situation not as…

Dreading a dark winter in lockdown?
With winter drawing near, sorry to mention, we could take inspiration from Norway and their positive mindset when dealing with the long ‘polar night’. They see the situation not as stress but as a challenge. Outdoor (safe) socialising, long walks, comfort food… winter is to be enjoyed. As they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.

What happens to tyre wear?
Good question. Half a million tonnes of rubber tyre particles are produced across Europe every year from cars braking, accelerating or turning a corner. These plastic emissions enter our waterways,…

What happens to tyre wear?
Good question. Half a million tonnes of rubber tyre particles are produced across Europe every year from cars braking, accelerating or turning a corner. These plastic emissions enter our waterways, polluting our oceans and the air we breathe. The Tyre Collective are doing something about it. Discover more about their innovative solution.

Four hours and forty four minutes
Sir David Attenborough made his Instagram debut last week and the world loves it. In just four hours and forty-four minutes, he broke Jennifer Aniston’s record for the fastest time…

Four hours and forty four minutes
Sir David Attenborough made his Instagram debut last week and the world loves it. In just four hours and forty-four minutes, he broke Jennifer Aniston’s record for the fastest time to reach a million followers. Looking after our planet is everyone’s responsibility. He’s taken to Insta to explain the problems and inspire change. What a great man!

The future of travel
Our desire to see the world hasn’t gone away but, at the moment, we also want to stay at home. We’ve all got so many questions. Is it safe? Where…

The future of travel
Our desire to see the world hasn’t gone away but, at the moment, we also want to stay at home. We’ve all got so many questions. Is it safe? Where can I go? To learn how the landscape has changed, here are answers to 14 of the most pressing questions about the future of travel.

Melt your clothes and turn them into plastic
Did you know 87% of unwanted clothing ends up in landfill? Our throwaway culture is trashing the planet. Chemical engineer Alina Bassi hopes to change the landscape of clothing waste…

Melt your clothes and turn them into plastic
Did you know 87% of unwanted clothing ends up in landfill? Our throwaway culture is trashing the planet. Chemical engineer Alina Bassi hopes to change the landscape of clothing waste using a low-energy process to turn clothing fibres into an alternative to oil-based plastic.

The funny side of nature
The comedy wildlife photography awards have announced the finalists, including 44 images for 2020. A smiley fish, a photo-bombing giraffe…these shortlisted images highlight the similarity between humanity and nature. As…

The funny side of nature
The comedy wildlife photography awards have announced the finalists, including 44 images for 2020. A smiley fish, a photo-bombing giraffe…these shortlisted images highlight the similarity between humanity and nature. As well as promoting the extremely important message of wildlife conservation. Enjoy!

What it takes to make a change
Forbes listed Jacqueline Novogratz as one of the World’s 100 Greatest Living Business Minds. CEO and Founder of Acumen, Jacqueline has made it her life’s work to understand poverty and…

What it takes to make a change
Forbes listed Jacqueline Novogratz as one of the World’s 100 Greatest Living Business Minds. CEO and Founder of Acumen, Jacqueline has made it her life’s work to understand poverty and bridge the gap between rich and poor. Here she shares how we can create big, positive change.

Bird photographer of the year
A sword-billed Hummingbird captured in flight. A sleepy owl camouflaged by tree bark. A great crested grebe on the attack. Incredible moments caught on camera by the 2020 bird photographer…

Bird photographer of the year
A sword-billed Hummingbird captured in flight. A sleepy owl camouflaged by tree bark. A great crested grebe on the attack. Incredible moments caught on camera by the 2020 bird photographer of the year competition winners. We just had to share.

Quick concentration hacks
It’s no surprise we’re finding it hard to concentrate. Now many of us are working from home, distractions are always within easy reach. Our focus has been affected by the…

Quick concentration hacks
It’s no surprise we’re finding it hard to concentrate. Now many of us are working from home, distractions are always within easy reach. Our focus has been affected by the pandemic and it’s not easy to go on holiday and recharge. Where are those concentration hacks when you need them? They are right here. Hope they help.

Can sleep improve your immunity?
Neuroscientist and sleep researcher, Matthew Walker, says “sleep is our superpower”. Compromised sleep means a compromised immune system and we don’t want that. So go to bed at the same…

Can sleep improve your immunity?
Neuroscientist and sleep researcher, Matthew Walker, says “sleep is our superpower”. Compromised sleep means a compromised immune system and we don’t want that. So go to bed at the same time, wake up at the same time, weekdays and weekends, and sleep yourself to good health.

You can always get what you want
Soho has always encapsulated Rock ‘n’ Roll, so Carnaby Street is the perfect location for The Rolling Stones to open their world-first flagship store. You can get what you want…

You can always get what you want
Soho has always encapsulated Rock ‘n’ Roll, so Carnaby Street is the perfect location for The Rolling Stones to open their world-first flagship store. You can get what you want from merchandise to chairs and glassware. Doors are opening on September 9th. See you there.

Do we all see colour the same?
If something is blue surely we all see that it’s blue. But what if it’s not that straightforward? Cultural historian Kassia St Clair and artist Emyr Williams go head-to-head debating…

Do we all see colour the same?
If something is blue surely we all see that it’s blue. But what if it’s not that straightforward? Cultural historian Kassia St Clair and artist Emyr Williams go head-to-head debating whether colour is purely subjective or an objective force. Curious?

21 rooftop bars
We wanted to end this issue of Shareables on a high. We’re excited to share our shiny new website with people we’d go to a remote island with – let’s…

21 rooftop bars
We wanted to end this issue of Shareables on a high. We’re excited to share our shiny new website with people we’d go to a remote island with – let’s drink to that (inspiration below). We can order drinks safely through QR codes and if we forget our masks (let’s not), someone might launch one directly onto our faces! Curious world!

Who would you take to a remote island?
We like this question very much. It’s making us think about who we love, who we want to spend time with, who we value and who values us. Being with…

Who would you take to a remote island?
We like this question very much. It’s making us think about who we love, who we want to spend time with, who we value and who values us. Being with the people with whom you feel you really belong “enhances a sense of meaning in life”. Thank you to Frank Martela, philosopher and psychology researcher, for asking.

Perfect touch-free medium
Apprehensive about picking up menus? Ahhhh so that’s what a QR code is really for. The funny black, barcode-like square has finally come into its own, enabling us all to…

Perfect touch-free medium
Apprehensive about picking up menus? Ahhhh so that’s what a QR code is really for. The funny black, barcode-like square has finally come into its own, enabling us all to interact with the world around us – without touching anything but our smartphones. Now you can eat out safely.

Curious product design
This is certainly a radical solution for those still reluctant to wear face masks. We were intrigued. It’s a mask launcher that, er…launches masks onto people’s faces. Definitely gets the…

Curious product design
This is certainly a radical solution for those still reluctant to wear face masks. We were intrigued. It’s a mask launcher that, er…launches masks onto people’s faces. Definitely gets the message across if you happen to leave yours in the car. You can discover more about the prototype here.

Water. A human right
Clean water and sanitation were recognised as human rights by the United Nations on 28th July 2010. 1 in 10 people still lack access. This thought-provoking collection of visual art…

Water. A human right
Clean water and sanitation were recognised as human rights by the United Nations on 28th July 2010. 1 in 10 people still lack access. This thought-provoking collection of visual art commissioned by WaterAid calls on governments to invest more to help those in need.

Spaceship Earth
If we are to live on Mars one day (or wherever?), this seems quite a necessary experiment to do. Eight people living within a self-sealed environment with its own tropical…

Spaceship Earth
If we are to live on Mars one day (or wherever?), this seems quite a necessary experiment to do. Eight people living within a self-sealed environment with its own tropical vegetation. This documentary explores whether we could live sustainably in a geodesic dome.

You can’t stop us
Nike’s new ad is goosebump inducing. Its powerful imagery compels you to watch it over and over again. With 72 sports and 36 split-screen slides, you don’t know what to…

You can’t stop us
Nike’s new ad is goosebump inducing. Its powerful imagery compels you to watch it over and over again. With 72 sports and 36 split-screen slides, you don’t know what to marvel at first. The mastery of the editing or the powerful messages as the world comes together as one.

Ticket to suborbital space?
Fancy being a space tourist onboard Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity? You’ll experience weightlessness in zero gravity. Observe the curve of the Earth. And the blackness of the cosmos beyond the…

Ticket to suborbital space?
Fancy being a space tourist onboard Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity? You’ll experience weightlessness in zero gravity. Observe the curve of the Earth. And the blackness of the cosmos beyond the atmosphere. Seats are a mere $200,000.

Planning a staycation?
“Can I go on holiday this year?” “Will I have to quarantine?” Summer. Is. Not. Cancelled! The most incredible wild scenery and epic coastal roads are begging to be explored….

Planning a staycation?
“Can I go on holiday this year?” “Will I have to quarantine?” Summer. Is. Not. Cancelled! The most incredible wild scenery and epic coastal roads are begging to be explored. And all just a stone’s throw from our own front doors. Waterside castles and traditional pubs here we come.

Terrible memory, no more!
Memorising speeches, names of people, birthdays… why don’t they ever stay in your head? Nelson Dellis, four-time Memory Champion, teaches us how to hack your brain to remember almost anything…

Terrible memory, no more!
Memorising speeches, names of people, birthdays… why don’t they ever stay in your head? Nelson Dellis, four-time Memory Champion, teaches us how to hack your brain to remember almost anything – using “juicy mental images” and storing them in your “Memory Palace”.

A new kind of storytelling
Sometimes words alone aren’t enough to convey a deep level of emotion. In this compelling short film, powerful interviews are mixed with imaginative and dynamic movement to tell the story…

A new kind of storytelling
Sometimes words alone aren’t enough to convey a deep level of emotion. In this compelling short film, powerful interviews are mixed with imaginative and dynamic movement to tell the story of two brothers dealing with their struggles growing up on a Hackney council estate.

That’s not in London!
Kyoto Garden full of Japanese Maple trees, tiered waterfalls and resident peacocks. Abney Park Cemetery teaming with wildlife. Roof gardens in the heart of Canary Wharf. Hampstead Pergola overgrown with…

That’s not in London!
Kyoto Garden full of Japanese Maple trees, tiered waterfalls and resident peacocks. Abney Park Cemetery teaming with wildlife. Roof gardens in the heart of Canary Wharf. Hampstead Pergola overgrown with vines and flowers…how we’ve missed you London.

Sydmar Lodge, we love you!
With no outside family or friends allowed, keeping the Residents at Sydmar Lodge Care Home in good spirits has never been more crucial. Activities Co-ordinator Robert Speker had a plan:…

Sydmar Lodge, we love you!
With no outside family or friends allowed, keeping the Residents at Sydmar Lodge Care Home in good spirits has never been more crucial. Activities Co-ordinator Robert Speker had a plan: to recreate 12 classic album covers from Bowie to Madonna. Come and see the results. They’ve gone viral.

Face masks
Fed up with your glasses steaming up while you talk through material? These innovative face masks have sorted that for us. Besides letting you communicate more easily, this transparent mask…

Face masks
Fed up with your glasses steaming up while you talk through material? These innovative face masks have sorted that for us. Besides letting you communicate more easily, this transparent mask claims to kill pathogens. Others can record, make calls or even light up into a smile. Where can we get one?

Summer in Soho
Remember restaurants? Sitting outside enjoying long summer evenings, catching up with friends. Hold that thought because Soho is being pedestrianised, giving businesses from Bar Italia to The French House the…

Summer in Soho
Remember restaurants? Sitting outside enjoying long summer evenings, catching up with friends. Hold that thought because Soho is being pedestrianised, giving businesses from Bar Italia to The French House the space to set up their tables outside.

Decluttering
A good clear out does more than re-organise your environment. According to psychotherapist Dana Dorfman, “Our brains can process information more clearly and efficiently in an organised space.” That’s good…

Decluttering
A good clear out does more than re-organise your environment. According to psychotherapist Dana Dorfman, “Our brains can process information more clearly and efficiently in an organised space.” That’s good because we’re in the office decluttering this week.

Do look
Have you discovered The Do Lectures? Remarkable Doers and change makers share their amazing stories, ideas, adventures, experience, creativity, thinking in the hope they will inspire you to go and…

Do look
Have you discovered The Do Lectures? Remarkable Doers and change makers share their amazing stories, ideas, adventures, experience, creativity, thinking in the hope they will inspire you to go and do amazing things too. Do immerse.

‘What happened when we all stopped’
This animated poem beautifully written by best-selling author Tom Rivett-Carnac and narrated by UN Messenger of Peace, Dr Jane Goodall, is a positive message of hope as we emerge from…

‘What happened when we all stopped’
This animated poem beautifully written by best-selling author Tom Rivett-Carnac and narrated by UN Messenger of Peace, Dr Jane Goodall, is a positive message of hope as we emerge from lockdown. Here’s to a new way of looking at things.

Vote for your favourite portrait
Step into your own private gallery space and experience the BP Portrait Award 2020 virtually from your living room. View 48 contemporary works of art on the wall. And explore…

Vote for your favourite portrait
Step into your own private gallery space and experience the BP Portrait Award 2020 virtually from your living room. View 48 contemporary works of art on the wall. And explore each artist safely away from the crowd. Which is your favourite?

Invite a goat
We’ve all adapted seamlessly to setting up office at home so now for a bit of fun. What if you could invite a goat to your next virtual meeting. (Yes,…

Invite a goat
We’ve all adapted seamlessly to setting up office at home so now for a bit of fun. What if you could invite a goat to your next virtual meeting. (Yes, a goat!) Talk to Cronkshawfold Farm and for £5 you can choose a goat to join you. All proceeds to renewable technologies.

For a beautiful view of the world
Amazing things are happening around us. But they can go unseen. That’s why imaginative infographics are so important and why we love this! Information is Beautiful has transformed how we…

For a beautiful view of the world
Amazing things are happening around us. But they can go unseen. That’s why imaginative infographics are so important and why we love this! Information is Beautiful has transformed how we see data. Beautifully visualising news, facts, trends and stats in positive and uplifting ways.

Which way is tomorrow?
Chances are you’ll be pointing in front of you. That’s where the future lies. Right? You might wave over your shoulder if you’re talking about yesterday. The past. Different cultures…

Which way is tomorrow?
Chances are you’ll be pointing in front of you. That’s where the future lies. Right? You might wave over your shoulder if you’re talking about yesterday. The past. Different cultures express ‘time’ in fascinating ways. So if you’re learning a second language, be prepared to have your brain re-wired.

The Libby app
You can’t beat a good book and a garden hammock. The whole nation is reading right now – Waterstones has reported a 400 per cent increase in online book sales….

The Libby app
You can’t beat a good book and a garden hammock. The whole nation is reading right now – Waterstones has reported a 400 per cent increase in online book sales. Sshhh little tip to cut your reading bill. Get the free Libby app, sign in with your library card, you’ll save loads.

Virtual Glasto 2020
You won’t need reminding that Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary would’ve been this weekend. Moving on…there’s still fun to be had! Get your wellies out, pour your wine into paper cups, and…

Virtual Glasto 2020
You won’t need reminding that Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary would’ve been this weekend. Moving on…there’s still fun to be had! Get your wellies out, pour your wine into paper cups, and praise the BBC for bringing Worthy Farm straight to our living rooms.

Show your support
There are many ways we can show our support. Donate to causes that need funding. Sign a petition. Show solidarity on social media to raise awareness. Expand our knowledge. This…

Show your support
There are many ways we can show our support. Donate to causes that need funding. Sign a petition. Show solidarity on social media to raise awareness. Expand our knowledge. This is a great resource that we found useful.

Say it big and bold
Written for all to see. Big, yellow letters in permanent paint on the very street leading to the White House in Washington, D.C. A message the city’s mayor Muriel Bowser…

Say it big and bold
Written for all to see. Big, yellow letters in permanent paint on the very street leading to the White House in Washington, D.C. A message the city’s mayor Muriel Bowser clearly wanted Donald Trump to see: Black Lives Matter

Art in support of BLM
Following the death of George Floyd, the world is witnessing an unprecedented amount of activism and support for racial equality. Many artists and designers are drawing attention to Black Lives…

Art in support of BLM
Following the death of George Floyd, the world is witnessing an unprecedented amount of activism and support for racial equality. Many artists and designers are drawing attention to Black Lives Matter through their talent and creativity. Check out these 3D scans showing solidarity with those protesting.

Classic black cinema
To highlight films that focus on Black Lives, the Criterion Channel has taken down the paywall on as many titles as they can in support of Black Lives Matter. You…

Classic black cinema
To highlight films that focus on Black Lives, the Criterion Channel has taken down the paywall on as many titles as they can in support of Black Lives Matter. You can now watch important classics such as Down in the Delta by Maya Angelou – the only film she directed – even if you aren’t a subscriber.

The 1619 Project
This historical collection of essays including 17 original literary works by contemporary black writers ‘examines the many aspects of American life that can be traced back to slavery’. If there’s…

The 1619 Project
This historical collection of essays including 17 original literary works by contemporary black writers ‘examines the many aspects of American life that can be traced back to slavery’. If there’s anything we believe in the most, it’s the power of sharing and learning.

Positive thinking
We are working very hard on this at Curious. Checking in on each other to make sure home and work life don’t blur into one. Wellbeing is important during this…

Positive thinking
We are working very hard on this at Curious. Checking in on each other to make sure home and work life don’t blur into one. Wellbeing is important during this time; we discovered this TED Talk 10-day challenge and hope it helps keep you happy and sane.

Social distancing circles
In New York City, Domino Park has made it safe for people to enjoy being together outside. All you need is white chalk paint and a steady hand to mark…

Social distancing circles
In New York City, Domino Park has made it safe for people to enjoy being together outside. All you need is white chalk paint and a steady hand to mark out circles for your family members to sit inside. Looks quite arty. Curious times.

Kevin Kelly
To celebrate his 68th birthday, Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired magazine, shares 68 pieces of advice with the “young ‘uns”. We hope you’ll take time out to listen. We did…

Kevin Kelly
To celebrate his 68th birthday, Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired magazine, shares 68 pieces of advice with the “young ‘uns”. We hope you’ll take time out to listen. We did and discovered these are words to live by. Happy birthday Kevin Kelly.

Celebrating 18 years of being Curious
2,186 projects, 4,211 meetings, 209 clients, 917 collaborators, 21 countries, 41,528 cups of coffee all add up to 18 years of being Curious. We’ve been curious about everything from beer…

Celebrating 18 years of being Curious
2,186 projects, 4,211 meetings, 209 clients, 917 collaborators, 21 countries, 41,528 cups of coffee all add up to 18 years of being Curious. We’ve been curious about everything from beer and ovens to fintech and law. We’re immensely proud of our people, our clients and our work. We’re taking a moment to reminisce.

How you can tell you’re in Bexley
Could you tell one London Borough from another? The clues lie in the street sign fonts. If it’s Franklin Gothic, you’re in Camden. Note the style of the bollards. The…

How you can tell you’re in Bexley
Could you tell one London Borough from another? The clues lie in the street sign fonts. If it’s Franklin Gothic, you’re in Camden. Note the style of the bollards. The street lights. And if the tarmac stops suddenly in the middle of the road, you’ve crossed the boundary. It’s potty. It’s nuts. And it’s all in this great video.

Have you seen these?
Honestly, who would’ve thought you could recreate Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper? Or Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring from home. Lockdown has inspired us all to bake sourdough,…

Have you seen these?
Honestly, who would’ve thought you could recreate Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper? Or Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring from home. Lockdown has inspired us all to bake sourdough, cut our own hair, exercise more… and now turn ourselves into masterpieces. The ingenuity of people.

Neil Gaiman
The fragile but powerful resilience of mankind is beautifully expressed by author Neil Gaiman. “We are tougher than we seem. We are tougher than we think. Our stories will outlive…

Neil Gaiman
The fragile but powerful resilience of mankind is beautifully expressed by author Neil Gaiman. “We are tougher than we seem. We are tougher than we think. Our stories will outlive us. Let’s make them good. May that which has been broken be restored.” We love his every word in this TED Talk on Twitter.

Hold still
Must do this! The National Portrait Gallery is asking us all to send them a photographic portrait taken during these strange times. It can be a quick snap on your…

Hold still
Must do this! The National Portrait Gallery is asking us all to send them a photographic portrait taken during these strange times. It can be a quick snap on your phone of a helper, a hero, your new normal, or an act of kindness. We think this is an amazing way to capture what we’re going through.

Great thinking
Design initiatives like these “virus slogans” from Annie Atkins remind us to do the simple things. Created to look like fake public health service posters, we like them because they…

Great thinking
Design initiatives like these “virus slogans” from Annie Atkins remind us to do the simple things. Created to look like fake public health service posters, we like them because they are insightful and true. Screen prints will be sold to raise money for the hospice that cared for her mum.

Banana bread
Everyone’s baking it so why the trend? One explanation – it’s a simple way of avoiding food waste. (Also, there’s nothing more comforting.) When bananas go mushy, they’re perfectly ripe…

Banana bread
Everyone’s baking it so why the trend? One explanation – it’s a simple way of avoiding food waste. (Also, there’s nothing more comforting.) When bananas go mushy, they’re perfectly ripe for repurposing… who would’ve thought we’d be connecting over banana bread? Curious times.

Put the world on mute
Noise everywhere! The more you try to focus, the louder it becomes. Or is it simply that we have become hypersensitive to the slightest sound? We’re yearning for peace right…

Put the world on mute
Noise everywhere! The more you try to focus, the louder it becomes. Or is it simply that we have become hypersensitive to the slightest sound? We’re yearning for peace right now, in our home offices, so we can think and work. As it turns out, the quest for quiet has been going on for centuries.

Let’s change the subject!
What if the word pink didn’t exist? Or if left and right were replaced with east and west? And why do English speakers get to the point quicker than those…

Let’s change the subject!
What if the word pink didn’t exist? Or if left and right were replaced with east and west? And why do English speakers get to the point quicker than those who speak Chinese? Language and the way we experience it changes depending on where we are in the world. So what can we learn from it?

Come out of this even better
This is the perfect time to follow your true passion. Screenwriting, filmmaking, interior design, photography, cooking… Masterclass gives you access to the Masters in their field through hundreds of online…

Come out of this even better
This is the perfect time to follow your true passion. Screenwriting, filmmaking, interior design, photography, cooking… Masterclass gives you access to the Masters in their field through hundreds of online classes as they share their stories, skills, and successes. Lockdown is for learning.

Honouring health workers
Rio de Janeiro paid tribute to health workers in Brazil and across the world by illuminating the 125-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer statue with hope. Cutting edge technology transformed the giant…

Honouring health workers
Rio de Janeiro paid tribute to health workers in Brazil and across the world by illuminating the 125-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer statue with hope. Cutting edge technology transformed the giant Jesus into a Doctor with the words “stay home” written in various languages.

2-meters saves lives
We just love these classic album covers reimagined for our social distancing era by LA agency Activista. Using a bit of graphic design magic, we see Blondie, The Beatles, U2,…

2-meters saves lives
We just love these classic album covers reimagined for our social distancing era by LA agency Activista. Using a bit of graphic design magic, we see Blondie, The Beatles, U2, N.W.A sticking to the Government 2-metre rule. A real smile in the mind.

WFH, the new normal?
Isaac Newton had to WFH during a pandemic. With time to sit musing under apple trees, he became a great mathematician, developing his theories on optics and gravity. Fitzgerald needed…

WFH, the new normal?
Isaac Newton had to WFH during a pandemic. With time to sit musing under apple trees, he became a great mathematician, developing his theories on optics and gravity. Fitzgerald needed isolation to turn out great fiction. Shakespeare wrote King Lear, Munch painted… it’s curious how social distancing stimulates invention.

We’re going to get through this
Everyone wants to help. Ricky Gervais is telling jokes live on Twitter. Patrick Stewart recites a sonnet a day. Robbie Williams is livestreaming ‘Corona-oke’ on Insta. You can take free…

We’re going to get through this
Everyone wants to help. Ricky Gervais is telling jokes live on Twitter. Patrick Stewart recites a sonnet a day. Robbie Williams is livestreaming ‘Corona-oke’ on Insta. You can take free yoga classes, join Bootcamps, hang out with Madonna, go to the National Theatre every Thursday 7pm on YouTube… thank you for doing this.

Creative brief from the UN
Ideas, as we know, have the power to change the world. We must become one global creative department and use our imaginations to help spread impactful public health messages –…

Creative brief from the UN
Ideas, as we know, have the power to change the world. We must become one global creative department and use our imaginations to help spread impactful public health messages – across social media, digital, streaming, broadcast, print and radio. The brief from the UN is clear: use creativity to flatten the curve.

Connecting in meaningful ways
Human connection is our superpower. It makes us happier, smarter, and more productive. So how do we stay close while maintaining physical isolation? Without feeling zoomed out. Unheard. Or our…

Connecting in meaningful ways
Human connection is our superpower. It makes us happier, smarter, and more productive. So how do we stay close while maintaining physical isolation? Without feeling zoomed out. Unheard. Or our privacy invaded? We were curious to know what author Priya Parker had to say on ‘The Art of Gathering’.

Life after lockdown
Our office desks 2-metres apart. Lunchtime in twos. Staggered commute times. Wearing face masks on the bus. How will we work? How will we party? How will we travel? Let’s…

Life after lockdown
Our office desks 2-metres apart. Lunchtime in twos. Staggered commute times. Wearing face masks on the bus. How will we work? How will we party? How will we travel? Let’s start by looking at the future of holidays – because we will all deserve one.

Pink manta ray
Thank you to photographer Kristian Laine for giving us a glimpse of this special underwater creature. The only known pink manta ray spanning about 11 feet and nicknamed Inspector Clouseau…

Pink manta ray
Thank you to photographer Kristian Laine for giving us a glimpse of this special underwater creature. The only known pink manta ray spanning about 11 feet and nicknamed Inspector Clouseau after The Pink Panther.
We just wanted to remind ourselves of the beauty in the world. Please take care and let’s look after each other.

A cup of tea and a TED Talk
If we can’t be surrounded by inspirational people for a while, we can certainly listen to them. What makes a good leader? How do they inspire action? What makes us…

A cup of tea and a TED Talk
If we can’t be surrounded by inspirational people for a while, we can certainly listen to them. What makes a good leader? How do they inspire action? What makes us really happy? TED Talks are just what we need right now to learn new skills, feel empowered and broaden our horizons.

Working away from the office
Thank goodness for the digital age and collaborative technology; we’re all for a connected world and seamless sharing. We do understand though that WFH, especially if we have no choice,…

Working away from the office
Thank goodness for the digital age and collaborative technology; we’re all for a connected world and seamless sharing. We do understand though that WFH, especially if we have no choice, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. For those tempted to put Netflix on, here’s how to focus on the job and stay mentally healthy.

Go out while you stay in
We refuse to let the ‘C’ word get us down. We can still be curious; we can still fill our minds with creativity and culture. We just need to think…

Go out while you stay in
We refuse to let the ‘C’ word get us down. We can still be curious; we can still fill our minds with creativity and culture. We just need to think differently (which we are all very good at) and go to famous museums, art galleries, interesting exhibitions and talks from the best seat in the house. Our sofas.

When brands take a stand
What happens when a frozen food brand takes a stand against palm oil production? A sports brand fights for equal rights? Or a chocolate brand celebrates LGBTQ+ pride? This exhibition…

When brands take a stand
What happens when a frozen food brand takes a stand against palm oil production? A sports brand fights for equal rights? Or a chocolate brand celebrates LGBTQ+ pride? This exhibition showcases the brands that have become powerful influencers. Come and see their much-debated creative work.

Apostrophes tripping you up?
We’re taught to make a possessive by adding an apostrophe ‘s’. The King’s crown. But then the possessive pronoun ‘its’ doesn’t have an apostrophe. Waterstones, Boots and Reuters are brands…

Apostrophes tripping you up?
We’re taught to make a possessive by adding an apostrophe ‘s’. The King’s crown. But then the possessive pronoun ‘its’ doesn’t have an apostrophe. Waterstones, Boots and Reuters are brands that have chosen to break the rules – no apostrophe in their wordmark. Do we even need this tricky little high-up comma anyway?

Tokyo 2020 release first moving pictograms
If you haven’t seen these already, take a quick look. The Olympics has never had animated pictograms before – so these are the first ever in its history. 73 kinetic…

Tokyo 2020 release first moving pictograms
If you haven’t seen these already, take a quick look. The Olympics has never had animated pictograms before – so these are the first ever in its history. 73 kinetic icons ‘subtly communicate the characteristics and athleticism of each sport’. And show how dynamic, innovative and special these games will be.

Where do new ideas come through
What is inspiration? Where do we get it? How can we keep getting it? How can we stop it from going away? Is it a thing that just happens to…

Where do new ideas come through
What is inspiration? Where do we get it? How can we keep getting it? How can we stop it from going away? Is it a thing that just happens to a person? Research shows you can generate your own pathway to creativity. This article debunks the myth that it’s not about sitting under a tree waiting for ideas to strike.

Brands are changing
Does branding have the power to create a better world? Unite people. Reflect our beliefs. Shape cultures. Brands are no longer limited to products. They can stand for something so…

Brands are changing
Does branding have the power to create a better world? Unite people. Reflect our beliefs. Shape cultures. Brands are no longer limited to products. They can stand for something so meaningful, become a powerful voice and effect change. Debbie Millman takes us back to where it all began 13.8 billion years ago. We were curious.

Learning to learn
It’s true. If you’re not learning you’re standing still so what is the best way to learn? Richard Feynman, our favourite professor and champion of all things curious, sets out…

Learning to learn
It’s true. If you’re not learning you’re standing still so what is the best way to learn? Richard Feynman, our favourite professor and champion of all things curious, sets out the best way to learn things – in 4 simple steps. Follow his formula and it will help you learn anything faster and with greater understanding.

What’s that feeling when…
You have to do something and, instead of putting it off, you just do it. Yesokasity. Or you tangle yourself up in an elaborated lie to avoid a social invitation….

What’s that feeling when…
You have to do something and, instead of putting it off, you just do it. Yesokasity. Or you tangle yourself up in an elaborated lie to avoid a social invitation. Nitwhoppering. Or you speak in public and don’t make any sense. Idioschlock. Great article here identifying new emotions and what they’re called. We love Name-nailing.

What’s under your bum?
You’re probably too busy jostling for a seat on the tube or bus to notice the fabric design you’re actually sitting on. ‘Moquette’, an intricately woven carpet lines all the…

What’s under your bum?
You’re probably too busy jostling for a seat on the tube or bus to notice the fabric design you’re actually sitting on. ‘Moquette’, an intricately woven carpet lines all the seats, you’ll notice it now! In fact, you’ve been sitting on over a hundred years of London history. Which design and colour palette transports you back?

There’s enough for everyone
The sight of empty shelves is panicking everyone into buying toilet roll. It’s sensible to stock up on essentials most definitely. The advice is to buy enough for two weeks,…

There’s enough for everyone
The sight of empty shelves is panicking everyone into buying toilet roll. It’s sensible to stock up on essentials most definitely. The advice is to buy enough for two weeks, not 12 years like that family in Australia. What are they doing with it all? This video has some ideas.

One week to go
Valentine’s Day. Let’s get creative about this. And be slightly more original than delighting with a box of chocolates. Or a bunch of red roses. Immerse yourselves in a colourful…

One week to go
Valentine’s Day. Let’s get creative about this. And be slightly more original than delighting with a box of chocolates. Or a bunch of red roses. Immerse yourselves in a colourful light spectacle. Make salted caramel truffles together. Get arty and crafty at a potter’s wheel. Toast your partnership with innovative cocktails. Read on for inspiration. You’re welcome!

Make snow your canvas
Artist, outdoor enthusiast and cartographer Simon Beck has done just that. Walking up to 12 hours a day through snow, creating striking geometric designs in the untouched powder with his…

Make snow your canvas
Artist, outdoor enthusiast and cartographer Simon Beck has done just that. Walking up to 12 hours a day through snow, creating striking geometric designs in the untouched powder with his footsteps. Incredible land art on desolate mountainscapes. Inspirational. Hope it snows soon so we can have a go.

Designing for disaster
It’s one thing designing a new brand identity, quite a different brief if your solution has to withstand hurricanes, extreme heat and sub-zero temperatures. We were fascinated with the innovation…

Designing for disaster
It’s one thing designing a new brand identity, quite a different brief if your solution has to withstand hurricanes, extreme heat and sub-zero temperatures. We were fascinated with the innovation and ‘co-creation’ required to create UNICEF’s new emergency tents. After five years of development, they present the solution to the world.

Could you do with some sun?
The new Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope located on the Haleakala volcano in Hawaii has taken its first photo and video of the sun. The shots are the highest resolution…

Could you do with some sun?
The new Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope located on the Haleakala volcano in Hawaii has taken its first photo and video of the sun. The shots are the highest resolution of the sun’s bubbling 5,600°C plasma surface ever taken. Each cell-like structure is the size of Texas. Yes really! Take a closer look.

Fill your mind with colour
Our brains can only build ideas from the information we put in them. We need to “broaden horizons and look outside our own life context”. Go beyond our desks! To…

Fill your mind with colour
Our brains can only build ideas from the information we put in them. We need to “broaden horizons and look outside our own life context”. Go beyond our desks! To the bright spring festivals of Amsterdam, the Purim street parties in Tel Aviv, the Holi celebrations in Mauritius, Irish dancing in Argentina…never stop exploring.

Who is Alice Guy-Blaché?
When we looked deeper (as we do), we discovered this amazing French woman was a hugely important pioneer of early cinema. One of the first to use close-ups, hand-tinted colour,…

Who is Alice Guy-Blaché?
When we looked deeper (as we do), we discovered this amazing French woman was a hugely important pioneer of early cinema. One of the first to use close-ups, hand-tinted colour, synchronised sound – she wrote, directed and produced over 1000 films. So why haven’t we heard of her? Curious?

The joy of writing by hand
Put away your computer. (Not forever!) Pick up a pen (the nib has to glide) and let your thoughts flow. Handwriting allows us to listen to what the mind has…

The joy of writing by hand
Put away your computer. (Not forever!) Pick up a pen (the nib has to glide) and let your thoughts flow. Handwriting allows us to listen to what the mind has to say, “it’s like talking to yourself” observed neurologist Oliver Sacks. Ideas, unique to all of us, take shape on the page – away from the delete button.

Culture in the capital
January! You can never feel blue with this much to do. ‘Picasso and Paper’ starts tomorrow at the Royal Academy. Who knew paper had limitless possibilities? And if you’re quick,…

Culture in the capital
January! You can never feel blue with this much to do. ‘Picasso and Paper’ starts tomorrow at the Royal Academy. Who knew paper had limitless possibilities? And if you’re quick, you can still catch Bridget Riley at the Hayward until the 26th. Rembrandt, Pre-Raphaelites, the Future of Fungi – stay curious.

2020 Year of the Rat
Hands up. Who was born in 1960? 1972? 1984? According to the Chinese zodiac, you’re a Rat. That’s good! Because you make excellent business people. Instinctive, acute, alert, decisive and…

2020 Year of the Rat
Hands up. Who was born in 1960? 1972? 1984? According to the Chinese zodiac, you’re a Rat. That’s good! Because you make excellent business people. Instinctive, acute, alert, decisive and if you’re a single Rat this is your year for love. Mozart and Shakespeare were also Rats – you’re in good company.

Got your 2020 calander
Easy. Download an app. Done. You’re all set for 2020 with the year ahead portable and in your pocket. But it’s not the same is it as having this retrofuturistic,…

Got your 2020 calander
Easy. Download an app. Done. You’re all set for 2020 with the year ahead portable and in your pocket. But it’s not the same is it as having this retrofuturistic, space-themed pet calendar by Otavio Santiago adorning your kitchen wall. Get something different and enjoy amazing design.

What’s next?
What’s next for photography, graphic design, animation, advertising, and technology? Curious to find out what we can expect from the world of creativity? Here’s a heads-up for the year ahead….

What’s next?
What’s next for photography, graphic design, animation, advertising, and technology? Curious to find out what we can expect from the world of creativity? Here’s a heads-up for the year ahead. We hope you have a curious 2020!

Andy Warhol is coming
Not to be missed, this major retrospective is the first Warhol exhibition at Tate Modern for almost 20 years. We’re very excited. It includes works never seen before in the…

Andy Warhol is coming
Not to be missed, this major retrospective is the first Warhol exhibition at Tate Modern for almost 20 years. We’re very excited. It includes works never seen before in the UK – from his Ladies and Gentlemen series. We’re saying it now so you can put this date in your new calendar.

Scrap resolutions, go for goals
Exercise more. Eat less. Take on a new hobby. When resolutions are vague and motivated by guilt, you’re unlikely to make it past mid-January. True? We were curiously wondering what’s…

Scrap resolutions, go for goals
Exercise more. Eat less. Take on a new hobby. When resolutions are vague and motivated by guilt, you’re unlikely to make it past mid-January. True? We were curiously wondering what’s the key to successful habit-breaking – these suggestions take resolutions to another level.

A decade of discovery
Who knew! We can ‘hear’ the universe. Sea turtles have a ‘third eye’. What we eat may have changed how we talk. Bees stop buzzing during solar eclipses. We never…

A decade of discovery
Who knew! We can ‘hear’ the universe. Sea turtles have a ‘third eye’. What we eat may have changed how we talk. Bees stop buzzing during solar eclipses. We never stop learning which keeps us fresh and inspired. So, what amazing discoveries did the last decade bring?

A new start
For many, the new year is a time of reflection to look back at what you achieved the year before and make plans for the year ahead. It’s also a…

A new start
For many, the new year is a time of reflection to look back at what you achieved the year before and make plans for the year ahead. It’s also a time for resolutions – giving up chocolate or joining the gym, but however pure your intentions, resolutions can be hard to stick to. Here’s some advice for making and sticking to your goals this year.

Curious hangover calls
Egg drop soup with lemonade. Really? Think we’ll settle for fresh air and a glass of milk thanks! Definitely no to cold Chinese food and swimming. If you’ve got a…

Curious hangover calls
Egg drop soup with lemonade. Really? Think we’ll settle for fresh air and a glass of milk thanks! Definitely no to cold Chinese food and swimming. If you’ve got a hangover favourite, you know what to do: Share. Have a great Christmas and stay curious folks.

Curious Christmas playlist
There’s a lot of opportunity for burnout on Yuletide classics. So we’ve had a think (over a few Fitzmas’es) and compiled a curious playlist for you. Hope it helps your…

Curious Christmas playlist
There’s a lot of opportunity for burnout on Yuletide classics. So we’ve had a think (over a few Fitzmas’es) and compiled a curious playlist for you. Hope it helps your cocktail party go with a swing. Where’s our invite?

Curious Cocktail
You’ve had a narrow escape because we nearly chose the Sprouting Gin Fizz – yes that’s right with a spike of caramelised Brussels sprouts. (We thought you’d prefer a cinnamon…

Curious Cocktail
You’ve had a narrow escape because we nearly chose the Sprouting Gin Fizz – yes that’s right with a spike of caramelised Brussels sprouts. (We thought you’d prefer a cinnamon stick to garnish.) We hope you’ve got amaretto and vermouth? This is right on brief; it’s festive and it’s yum.
Top Christmas carol concerts in London
A carol is a joyful song. We all know the words – from school – and when you hear carols, emotions stir and there’s an irresistible urge to join in….
Top Christmas carol concerts in London
A carol is a joyful song. We all know the words – from school – and when you hear carols, emotions stir and there’s an irresistible urge to join in. So why not sing loudly along on a wave of seasonal happiness within the most spectacular of settings; St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Royal Albert Hall – see you there.

Christmas tinner
Some people just don’t want the faff. Chestnuts to peel, turkey to prep, veg to chop. Personally, we love Christmas dinner with ALL the trimmings but if you’re looking to…

Christmas tinner
Some people just don’t want the faff. Chestnuts to peel, turkey to prep, veg to chop. Personally, we love Christmas dinner with ALL the trimmings but if you’re looking to stay out of the kitchen then this is for you. Three festive culinary courses layered into one tin. Great stocking filler.

The creative power of paper
Anything ‘paper’ and we sit right up. (Having worked with the leading paper manufacturer Sappi, we are fascinated with how paper brings ideas to life.) No wonder the Japanese visual…

The creative power of paper
Anything ‘paper’ and we sit right up. (Having worked with the leading paper manufacturer Sappi, we are fascinated with how paper brings ideas to life.) No wonder the Japanese visual artist, Atsushi Adachi, caught our curious eye magically creating miniature artefacts from history using old newspapers. Paper is such an inventive tool for creative people.

paraskevidekatriaphobia
If you can pronounce it, you’re cured of the fear of Friday 13th so they say. Given that’s today we were rather curious about the origins of this superstition. Why…

paraskevidekatriaphobia
If you can pronounce it, you’re cured of the fear of Friday 13th so they say. Given that’s today we were rather curious about the origins of this superstition. Why is it to be avoided and best spent hidden away under the duvet? And is there any evidence that it is even unlucky at all? For most of us, it’s simply another normal Friday or is it…

The squeal of speals
Have a listen. You’ve heard this stock sound effect before in blockbusters from Star Wars and Indiana Jones to Toy Story. Usually in scenes when someone falls from a great…

The squeal of speals
Have a listen. You’ve heard this stock sound effect before in blockbusters from Star Wars and Indiana Jones to Toy Story. Usually in scenes when someone falls from a great height. Recognise that distant yelp? We love this sound designer’s in-joke. We’re determined to get one into a client film!
You can’t give hankies again!
We won’t let you! We’re all creative people; we can think beyond socks and scarves surely. Think differently, think experience. Rather than a photo frame, what about a photography lesson….
You can’t give hankies again!
We won’t let you! We’re all creative people; we can think beyond socks and scarves surely. Think differently, think experience. Rather than a photo frame, what about a photography lesson. Instead of separate pressies for everyone, wrap Christmas all up in one with a private cookery class for seven. Here’s some more inspiration. You’re very welcome.

The world in 50 years
What forms of transportation will we use? Will we have ventured to other planets? How will we find love? What will we wear? How will we earn a living? In…

The world in 50 years
What forms of transportation will we use? Will we have ventured to other planets? How will we find love? What will we wear? How will we earn a living? In the absence of a crystal ball, click the link below and we’ll whizz you 50 years ahead to the future. Let’s see what some of the world’s brightest and curious minds predict for us.

To whom it may concern
You’ve written a beautifully crafted email, given it a few days – as you don’t want to double email! No reply. Nothing. If only you could increase your response rate….

To whom it may concern
You’ve written a beautifully crafted email, given it a few days – as you don’t want to double email! No reply. Nothing. If only you could increase your response rate. A little behavioural science should do it. Tactics like ‘thanks in advance’ (the most effective sign-off). Who actually ever means ‘Yours sincerely’ and ‘Best wishes’.

26 sleeps till Christmas
Who’s excited? Or are you yet to feel the Christmas vibe? Nothing says start ordering the turkey like London’s iconic window displays. So which flagship store will stop you in…

26 sleeps till Christmas
Who’s excited? Or are you yet to feel the Christmas vibe? Nothing says start ordering the turkey like London’s iconic window displays. So which flagship store will stop you in your tracks? Selfridges, Liberty, Fortnums, Harrods, Harvey Nichols…each storefront is quite literally a work of art. It’s Christmaaaaaaaaaas!
Inspiring a new generation of artists
What an amazing creative buzz around London – thanks to Steve McQueen’s Year 3 “portrait of citizenship” at Tate Britain, featuring portraits of more than 76,000 London school children to…
Inspiring a new generation of artists
What an amazing creative buzz around London – thanks to Steve McQueen’s Year 3 “portrait of citizenship” at Tate Britain, featuring portraits of more than 76,000 London school children to promote art education. Together with 600 billboards dotted about the capital, the message is powerful: Creativity Matters. We couldn’t agree more.

Spend time in the wind
Feeling stressed? Try this. The Dutch call it “Uitwaaien” or “outblowing” – the practice of spending time in the wind. Walking, running, riding a bike, seek out some windy Uitwaaien…

Spend time in the wind
Feeling stressed? Try this. The Dutch call it “Uitwaaien” or “outblowing” – the practice of spending time in the wind. Walking, running, riding a bike, seek out some windy Uitwaaien and let the gusts “blow out the bad air” leaving you feeling fresh and re-energised. Ahhhhh that’s so much better. The next windy day, you know what to do.

How on earth did they create the moon?
Did you get to see the film Ad Astra? Brad Pitt is amazing as McBride but the solar system is the real star of the show. The movie incorporates actual…

How on earth did they create the moon?
Did you get to see the film Ad Astra? Brad Pitt is amazing as McBride but the solar system is the real star of the show. The movie incorporates actual NASA imagery and footage of space. How did the filmmakers get the surface of the moon and the vehicles chasing around on it in lunar gravity to look so jaw-droppingly real? Curious?

Curious about The Clash?
We love the fact that photographer Pennie Smith decided to do something different that night of September 21st 1979 at the New York Palladium and swapped to the other side…

Curious about The Clash?
We love the fact that photographer Pennie Smith decided to do something different that night of September 21st 1979 at the New York Palladium and swapped to the other side of the stage (not Mick Jones side), in time to capture the best rock and roll shot of all time. Paul Simonon smashing his bass guitar at the frustration of playing to a lame crowd. Change is good!

New Christmas stamps unveiled
Can’t quite believe we’re talking Christmas already! But when we saw the design skills that have gone into the new Royal Mail collection, we just had to bring it up….

New Christmas stamps unveiled
Can’t quite believe we’re talking Christmas already! But when we saw the design skills that have gone into the new Royal Mail collection, we just had to bring it up. 10 layers of A1 paper beautifully cut into Nativity scenes magically scaled down to give each stamp an amazing three-dimensional quality. First class!

Shot in Soho
Soho will always have a place in our hearts. Curious started life in Poland Street in 2002; we loved “the world’s wickedest square mile” for luring the bohemian and the…

Shot in Soho
Soho will always have a place in our hearts. Curious started life in Poland Street in 2002; we loved “the world’s wickedest square mile” for luring the bohemian and the curious. Now there’s a unique opportunity to experience Soho, before its gentrification, through the lens of renowned photographers such as William Klein.
Should bookshops charge admission?
There’s no denying real bookshops are “time travel and escape and knowledge and power”. We must preserve these endangered species. Not use them for “showrooming” – researching purchases to be…
Should bookshops charge admission?
There’s no denying real bookshops are “time travel and escape and knowledge and power”. We must preserve these endangered species. Not use them for “showrooming” – researching purchases to be made cheaper online. Bookshops offer so much more than books. To keep them on our high streets shouldn’t they monetize browse time?

Walking boosts creativity 60%
“All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” Nietzsche is not the only genius to associate walking with creative inspiration. Steve Jobs insisted on “walking meetings”. Many famous authors say…

Walking boosts creativity 60%
“All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” Nietzsche is not the only genius to associate walking with creative inspiration. Steve Jobs insisted on “walking meetings”. Many famous authors say it’s the only cure for writer’s block. What is it about walking that fires up the imagination?

Going underground
Did you know there was an underground aircraft factory in 2.5 miles of tunnels on our Central line? Or that Churchill took shelter in his secret subterranean dining room at…

Going underground
Did you know there was an underground aircraft factory in 2.5 miles of tunnels on our Central line? Or that Churchill took shelter in his secret subterranean dining room at Down Street Station? What led to these spaces being abandoned? And why were some never completed?

Brexit: are you stocking up?
We have avoided the B word – we want to be inspirational, not political – but actually, this got us thinking. If there’s a no-deal, a toilet paper shortage could…

Brexit: are you stocking up?
We have avoided the B word – we want to be inspirational, not political – but actually, this got us thinking. If there’s a no-deal, a toilet paper shortage could be a likely event. Great news for our planet! So what environmentally preferable alternatives exist?

We like the way they think
Breathing new life into old buildings is pure genius in our curious book. (Bit like a brand refresh really). We love how Space&Matter has turned redundant canal-side bridge keeper’s houses…

We like the way they think
Breathing new life into old buildings is pure genius in our curious book. (Bit like a brand refresh really). We love how Space&Matter has turned redundant canal-side bridge keeper’s houses in Amsterdam into hotel suites – for us all to immerse in the history. Waterways for corridors, what an imaginative hotel.

Craving food photography?
Interest in food photography has mushroomed thanks to social media. Posting your meal out has become a must. But let’s look deeper at how food can be used to comment…

Craving food photography?
Interest in food photography has mushroomed thanks to social media. Posting your meal out has become a must. But let’s look deeper at how food can be used to comment on such issues as wealth, poverty, gender, race, desire, tradition. Having worked with Food Photographers, we savoured this artistic exhibition.

Should you get an office dog?
Over 40% of millennials would like to work in dog-friendly workplaces. Canine colleagues increase productivity, promote mental well-being and encourage an active lifestyle. Bringing a dog to work is a…

Should you get an office dog?
Over 40% of millennials would like to work in dog-friendly workplaces. Canine colleagues increase productivity, promote mental well-being and encourage an active lifestyle. Bringing a dog to work is a valuable employment perk. You’ll find no bone of contention at Curious.

It’s world smile day
Bright sunny yellow. The right oval eye larger than the left. Mouth slightly off centre. What a great client brief: “can you design something that makes my workforce smile”. (The…

It’s world smile day
Bright sunny yellow. The right oval eye larger than the left. Mouth slightly off centre. What a great client brief: “can you design something that makes my workforce smile”. (The next employee engagement branding to us please!) Harvey Ball’s world-changing smiley face for State Mutual became an icon and the inspiration for his World Smile charitable trust. Help one person smile today.

Look at this, post-haste
We’ve heard of putting a knot in the corner of your hanky (a memory aid in days gone by). But a knotted post box? Now a permanent installation along Caxton…

Look at this, post-haste
We’ve heard of putting a knot in the corner of your hanky (a memory aid in days gone by). But a knotted post box? Now a permanent installation along Caxton Street in London. The artist Alex Chinneck definitely caught our curious eye. Naturally, we’ve got questions. Why post boxes? Why now? What’s the thinking?

How to ask better questions
That’s the trouble with being curious. You’re continually questioning everything. But if you want to get to a much deeper level of conversation, you can’t ask just any old question…

How to ask better questions
That’s the trouble with being curious. You’re continually questioning everything. But if you want to get to a much deeper level of conversation, you can’t ask just any old question such as “what’s the longest non-technical word in English”? Because there’s only one answer: “Floccinaucinihilipilification”. Here’s how to generate a more thought-provoking response.

Curious about film
Roll out the red carpet. It’s BFI London Film Festival time every October. If you want a richer film experience, LLF is great for discovering the world’s best new films…

Curious about film
Roll out the red carpet. It’s BFI London Film Festival time every October. If you want a richer film experience, LLF is great for discovering the world’s best new films and getting up close to the filmmakers and stars invited to talk about their films. New tickets are released all the time – get the most from the festival here.

Who?
Famed pop artist Sir Peter Blake, who else! It’s got to be. Imagery from popular culture. Bright, distinctive, colourful, graphic. This is the artwork for ‘Who’ (for, you’ve guessed it,…

Who?
Famed pop artist Sir Peter Blake, who else! It’s got to be. Imagery from popular culture. Bright, distinctive, colourful, graphic. This is the artwork for ‘Who’ (for, you’ve guessed it, The Who) – the band’s first new album in thirteen years. Who better than the godfather of pop-art to announce: The Who. Are. Back.

Clever ideas create a buzz
Inspired thinking from McDonald’s to save the bees – turning the back of their billboards into beehive hotels. Honey bees are dying at an alarming rate due to loss of…

Clever ideas create a buzz
Inspired thinking from McDonald’s to save the bees – turning the back of their billboards into beehive hotels. Honey bees are dying at an alarming rate due to loss of habitat; now our yellow buzzy friends have a comfortable place to stay. We love ideas that solve problems.

Open house London
You’re welcome to step inside some of the most fascinating buildings in London. Roman, Georgian, Modern… houses, churches, remains… walks, talks, tours – pick an era and borough, and let…

Open house London
You’re welcome to step inside some of the most fascinating buildings in London. Roman, Georgian, Modern… houses, churches, remains… walks, talks, tours – pick an era and borough, and let curiosity be your guide. Enjoy free entry to this architecture festival every September. Don’t mind if we do.

The power of storytelling
Who doesn’t love a good movie? Thriller, feel-good, tearjerker… stories stimulate our senses and involve us emotionally and intellectually. They are a powerful way to connect with audiences and get…

The power of storytelling
Who doesn’t love a good movie? Thriller, feel-good, tearjerker… stories stimulate our senses and involve us emotionally and intellectually. They are a powerful way to connect with audiences and get a message across. Brands use a narrative to evoke an emotional response – but that’s a different story.

National read a book day
Our world is so loud, hyperconnected and busy. Enough! (For one day at least.) It’s official. Today is Read a Book Day. Time to sit in your favourite chair and…

National read a book day
Our world is so loud, hyperconnected and busy. Enough! (For one day at least.) It’s official. Today is Read a Book Day. Time to sit in your favourite chair and lose yourself in a page-turner. Here are some must-reads.

What’s in a name?
Everything! Personality. Outlook. Attitude to life. There’s a process to naming (we’ve got a good one) if you want to avoid names that have already gone. We’re surrounded by major…

What’s in a name?
Everything! Personality. Outlook. Attitude to life. There’s a process to naming (we’ve got a good one) if you want to avoid names that have already gone. We’re surrounded by major brands – they’re embedded in our lives. Ever wondered how these names: Google, Ikea, Starbucks… came about?

Laugh your way into September
Nothing like a comedy festival full of popular stand-up laughter masters to bring us real comments about the world. If you’re near Greenwich in September everyone’s there – from Reginald…

Laugh your way into September
Nothing like a comedy festival full of popular stand-up laughter masters to bring us real comments about the world. If you’re near Greenwich in September everyone’s there – from Reginald D Hunter to Shappi Khorsandi. It’s a great way to unplug.

Thinking outside the passport photo
Everyone has to work with guidelines. They shouldn’t restrict you. Quite the opposite, they set the parameters in which to fly. This is why the artist Max Siedentopf caught our…

Thinking outside the passport photo
Everyone has to work with guidelines. They shouldn’t restrict you. Quite the opposite, they set the parameters in which to fly. This is why the artist Max Siedentopf caught our curious eye – showing you can move outside the boundaries and still be on brief.

Do you cringe at the sound of your own voice?
We all do. Record and play it back. “That’s not me!”. Our voice plays a massive role in forming our identity – the same goes for brands. Hear a warm,…

Do you cringe at the sound of your own voice?
We all do. Record and play it back. “That’s not me!”. Our voice plays a massive role in forming our identity – the same goes for brands. Hear a warm, friendly tone, you engage, you buy. If your brand is sounding cringey, come to us for some fine-tuning. If you hate your own voice, this will be why.

Rare unreleased video interview
We. Are. Very. Excited. What a design icon. A powerful influence. The embodiment of style. From his famous ‘I ♥ NY’ logo to the cool identity for Brooklyn Brewery –…

Rare unreleased video interview
We. Are. Very. Excited. What a design icon. A powerful influence. The embodiment of style. From his famous ‘I ♥ NY’ logo to the cool identity for Brooklyn Brewery – there’s no one we admire more. Curious who?

Uplifting moment alert
This is doing the rounds and rightly so it’s hilarious. We won’t give you any clues but go and make a cuppa and gather round some other curious people. Advertisers…

Uplifting moment alert
This is doing the rounds and rightly so it’s hilarious. We won’t give you any clues but go and make a cuppa and gather round some other curious people. Advertisers must be falling over themselves to use this somehow.

Receipts can be recycled?
Nooooo! If you’re handed a receipt on shiny paper, chances are it’s not recyclable. And did you think recycled materials are used to create the same product? Also wrong! Here’s…

Receipts can be recycled?
Nooooo! If you’re handed a receipt on shiny paper, chances are it’s not recyclable. And did you think recycled materials are used to create the same product? Also wrong! Here’s the truth behind the UK’s biggest recycling myths.

What did you think a skip was for?
If you’re curious how a skip can democratise the way art is experienced, check out this exhibition of seven skips transformed into artworks. Presented by the Skip Gallery within Finsbury…

What did you think a skip was for?
If you’re curious how a skip can democratise the way art is experienced, check out this exhibition of seven skips transformed into artworks. Presented by the Skip Gallery within Finsbury Park’s famous Arts Building from 5th-15th September. We love how they are ‘placing art in people’s way’.

Dear diary…
Journaling – have you tried it? It’s about capturing your stream of consciousness. Nothing like keeping a diary, it brings out thoughts and ideas you never thought you had. We…

Dear diary…
Journaling – have you tried it? It’s about capturing your stream of consciousness. Nothing like keeping a diary, it brings out thoughts and ideas you never thought you had. We were curious about it as a way of unlocking creativity, but we discovered all these other surprising benefits too. All you need is 15 minutes a day.

Solving problems with creativity
April 15th and a massive fire engulfed Notre-Dame. How do you ever recover from this? The 850-year-old Gothic landmark is irreplaceable. Creativity has the power to put forward a sensitive,…

Solving problems with creativity
April 15th and a massive fire engulfed Notre-Dame. How do you ever recover from this? The 850-year-old Gothic landmark is irreplaceable. Creativity has the power to put forward a sensitive, respectful and positive temporary solution and show “hope can be born from disaster”.

Who’s off to the Edinburgh Fringe?
With more than 55,000 performances of 3,548 shows in 317 venues wow! where would you begin. Really big names have started out here – Steve Coogan, Rowan Atkinson, Phoebe Waller-Bridge……

Who’s off to the Edinburgh Fringe?
With more than 55,000 performances of 3,548 shows in 317 venues wow! where would you begin. Really big names have started out here – Steve Coogan, Rowan Atkinson, Phoebe Waller-Bridge… so you want to be in the right place witnessing the next exciting star. Have a look and see if anything would have taken your fancy…

The planet-pleasing plant shoe
We were intrigued too. 100% sustainable, biodegradable and made entirely, you got it, from plants. Millions of shoes end up in landfills taking more than 50 years to fully decompose….

The planet-pleasing plant shoe
We were intrigued too. 100% sustainable, biodegradable and made entirely, you got it, from plants. Millions of shoes end up in landfills taking more than 50 years to fully decompose. Compostable shoes are a great step forward. Thank you!

325 years celebrated with 325 ‘curiosities’
Happy birthday Bank of England! To mark the occasion, they exhibited an object for each year of the bank’s history. Curiosities galore!. On from July 2019 until May 2020.

325 years celebrated with 325 ‘curiosities’
Happy birthday Bank of England! To mark the occasion, they exhibited an object for each year of the bank’s history. Curiosities galore!. On from July 2019 until May 2020.

AI is all around us
In vacuum cleaners, cars, video games, software, medical research… and now specifically at this exhibition in the Barbican where you can fully immerse, discover more and play. Aren’t you just…

AI is all around us
In vacuum cleaners, cars, video games, software, medical research… and now specifically at this exhibition in the Barbican where you can fully immerse, discover more and play. Aren’t you just that little bit curious about what’s in store for the future?

Being curious got us to the moon
Stay curious. Ask questions. Try something new. That’s how we arrive at exciting places…that’s how we landed on the moon 50 years ago. Are you curious to see artefacts photographed…

Being curious got us to the moon
Stay curious. Ask questions. Try something new. That’s how we arrive at exciting places…that’s how we landed on the moon 50 years ago. Are you curious to see artefacts photographed within the security-sealed NASA archive? We certainly are.

Hottest start to August in 102 years
We have vowed not to groan about the sizzling weather and soaring temperatures in our studio. It’s Britain; not everyone has air con! We can all cope with this! Great…

Hottest start to August in 102 years
We have vowed not to groan about the sizzling weather and soaring temperatures in our studio. It’s Britain; not everyone has air con! We can all cope with this! Great excuse to eat lots of Calypsos! Not a fan (get it?) here are some other cooling tips.

Graffiti: Vandalism or art? Discuss
Once a “favoured mode of cultural expression for the city’s creative young and poor”, graffiti, or street art, is now pushing property prices right up. How times change.

Graffiti: Vandalism or art? Discuss
Once a “favoured mode of cultural expression for the city’s creative young and poor”, graffiti, or street art, is now pushing property prices right up. How times change.

Free exhibition at Somerset House
Our work for migrant charity, Consonant, is a celebration of uniqueness and identity. Exploring the multiplicity of voices that form modern Britain was the focus of this photography exhibition at…

Free exhibition at Somerset House
Our work for migrant charity, Consonant, is a celebration of uniqueness and identity. Exploring the multiplicity of voices that form modern Britain was the focus of this photography exhibition at Somerset House too.

How fashion has changed on centre court
Have you been following Wimbledon? Can you ever imagine running around a court wearing high collars, petticoats, and a corset? How did they do it? Curious?

How fashion has changed on centre court
Have you been following Wimbledon? Can you ever imagine running around a court wearing high collars, petticoats, and a corset? How did they do it? Curious?

Feed your brain
Curious to hear the latest thoughts on fashion / tech / politics / business / architecture / history / space exploration…? Open your ears to some of the most interesting…

Feed your brain
Curious to hear the latest thoughts on fashion / tech / politics / business / architecture / history / space exploration…? Open your ears to some of the most interesting ponderings in this curated list of inspiration.

Look! Order can be found in chaos
f you’ve been pondering this (funny what gets you curious) then you’ll find this really cool. And, in a way, reassuring that order can be restored.

Look! Order can be found in chaos
f you’ve been pondering this (funny what gets you curious) then you’ll find this really cool. And, in a way, reassuring that order can be restored.

Food: bigger than the plate
Edible water bottles. Insect pâté. Cheese cultivated from bacteria. The V&A reimagined our food future from growing to eating in this sensory exhibition that ran from May to October 2019.

Food: bigger than the plate
Edible water bottles. Insect pâté. Cheese cultivated from bacteria. The V&A reimagined our food future from growing to eating in this sensory exhibition that ran from May to October 2019.

The real Glastonbury: you
Glasto, we can’t wait! Head over here to Matthew Joseph’s photographs of life beyond the main stages. The glitter, the flags, the wellies (hopefully not!) are back.

The real Glastonbury: you
Glasto, we can’t wait! Head over here to Matthew Joseph’s photographs of life beyond the main stages. The glitter, the flags, the wellies (hopefully not!) are back.
'Shareables' does what it says it does.
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Big thank you for sharing with us. We love the idea of everyone being part of Shareables. So if you’ve come across some inspiration that lit up your day, please, please pass it on.