A Lancaster University-based designer is exhibiting his work at Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin in Coniston, this spring.

Design for Life is a new exhibition of contemporary designs by Stuart Walker, Professor of Design for Sustainability at Lancaster University and Co-Director of the ImaginationLancaster design research centre at the University.

The exhibition programme, which runs from mid-April into June at the historic Lakeland home, also includes an open public forum with talks and debates, a new performance and workshops for local schoolchildren making recipes with food from sustainable sources.

Professor Walker’s designs confront the costs of consumer culture and offer a positive vision that is locally relevant and environmentally responsible.

Through objects that blur the boundaries between art and design, he invites us to reflect on questions about progress, technology, nature, spirituality and death.

Design for Life takes place in Brantwood's Blue Gallery and throughout the house, aligning Professor Walker’s designs with Ruskin’s philosophy on ethics, work and wealth.

He comments: “I am delighted to be presenting this work in such an appropriate context. Ruskin’s philosophy is important to our time and I hope this exhibition may make that connection a little more evident.”

Brantwood's Director Howard Hull said: "Given Ruskin’s influence on, and interest in, design throughout his life, it is remarkable that this is the first exhibition of design at his historic home."

A new performance piece, created in collaboration with Lancaster-based digital theatre makers, Imitating the Dog, will be presented as a film piece for the duration of the show.

Design for Life is supported by Arts Council England and is curated, managed and produced by Suzy Jones.

For more information visit www.brantwood.org.uk