Puppet Journeys at London Bridge

Whale in the Thames by Fenella Mawdsley

Inspired by characters from their favourite stories on the theme of journeys, including contemporary examples like 'The Whale in the Thames', children became puppet designers and then puppeteers as they performed short plays with their finished designs.

The magical journeys of these puppets collide in the windows of London Bridge station, brightening up the entrance with colour and humour. Visible from street level, the exhibition is very much a public piece of work and will provide a welcome burst of cheer for commuters.

A variety of fun and inspiring materials were provided to decorate the puppets, such as textured and patterned fabrics, bendy straws and googly eyes. The workshop was led by educator Joanne Noble, who encouraged the children to design and make two puppets based on everyday materials – one using a sock, and one a wooden spoon.

Andrei the Clown by Alan Huo

"The theme of journeys is so appropriate for this project but I love the way the children's favourite characters take it in many surprising directions," comments Tamsin Dillon, head of Platform for Art. "I'm sure this work will liven up our customers' own journeys. I'm delighted that Platform for Art has developed a new partnership with the Design Museum through this project."

Future creative activities at the Design Museum on Shad Thames include 'Fly a Kite' workshops on Sundays 14, 21 and 28 May. Children will be encouraged to design, make and decorate kites from specially prepared design kits. At the end of the workshop they can put their designs to the test by flying their new kites on the riverfront terrace.

On Sundays in June the Museum will mark Architecture Week with a series of workshops where children will design and make model modern houses, and then decorate their house as they wish – as a dolls' house or Action Man pad – and design contemporary micro-furniture for it.