Origin 2009

Inspite of my best intentions to upload Origin pictures right away, I wasn't able to. Here they are:

Somerset House Entrance

Opening Night

Trying their hands at making baskets

My Stand

Basketry Intervention

Set Up Day at Origin

I will be updating you all on Origin through the week. 

We were all dressed and ready to leave at 7:30 am yesterday, waiting with great excitement to set-off for London. Except the excitement soon turned to concern and then to near-panic when by 9 am the van and driver we had booked didn't arrive. How utterly unprofessional! Ughh!

All van rentals are closed on Sunday, the few car agencies that were open didn't have anything available. We finally managed to get a taxi to drive us from Bath to London. You don't even want to know how much that cost! 

Anyway, after a bit of a dramatic start the day went on swimmingly. We arrived at Somerset House at noon. Helped by two lovely porters 'Ace' and 'Lightning' all the work was in the stand in a flash. 

As you might know, Origin takes place in a purpose-built pavillion which is set up annually in the courtyard of Somerset House. It is a spectacular neo-classical building which stands on Embankment overlooking the Thames and hosts art and cultural events through the year. The views from the Somerset House are legendary. The London Eye, Southbank Centre, the Ghirkin all stand as if arranged in a picture-perfect composition. 

My stand is at a lovely spot in the pavillion. It's under the skylights, right in front of the 'activity' area where basketry workshops and demonstrations will be held. While putting up the work we were cheered up by lazy clouds flitting across the blue skies. 

I finished off the evening with dinner at Rasa Samudra with friends and some divine Malayali food. 

Today is the gala evening where press and guests are invited for a preview. 

Looking forward to it! I'll be back with more things to share at the end of the day.