This weekend the Design Museum opens to the public at its new site in Kensington at the former Commonwealth Institute. In celebration HLF staff have chosen an eclectic mix of their most-loved design classics:

20. Hornsea Pottery - Helen Peacock, Development Officer, Yorkshire and the Humber

“May I introduce Yorkshire's own Hornsea Pottery tea and coffee jars. No respectable home was without these quirky design classics during the 1960s and 70s.” 

19. Fork – Rory Smith, Deputy Secretary to the Board

“What’s more useful, everyday and elegant than a fork? And it’s found in kitchens all over the world.”

18. Olympic velodrome – Felix Gott, Communications Manager

“I chose a beautiful building: the gem in the Olympic Park, and something that I see every day but still surprises me when the sun catches it.”

17. Margrethe bowl - Simon Oliver, Head of National Media, Content and Planning 

“Most kitchens will have a version of the Margrethe bowl but this is the original – it’s beautiful, functional and built to last a lifetime.”  

16. Brompton bicycle – Anne Dodwell, Development Officer, London

“Its design hasn’t really changed dramatically in the last 25 years and it is an archetypal feature of cycling culture within big cities.”

15. Transport posters – Natasha Ley, Senior Media and Government Relations Manager 

“I love the 1920s and 30s transport posters designed to get people holidaying and daytripping by rail. They are so vibrant and still ooze style and sophistication even after almost 100 years.”

14. William Morris wallpaper – Rosie Gibson, Social Media Editor 

“I have always loved William Morris designs and patterns.”

13. Leonard Cohen book cover – Angela Lavin, Casework Manager, Operations, Northern Ireland 

“Here’s a (timely) design classic. The Celtic symbol is for soulmates and Leonard Cohen used this extensively on much of his work.” 

12. Singer sewing machine – Jocelyn Murdoch, Communications Assistant 

“My favourite design object is the Singer sewing machine. It’s something that has always been part of the furniture in my house.”

11. Mini – Shirlee Beggs, Office Manager, Northern Ireland 

“I chose the Mini as it was the first car I owned, a little red one that my dad did up for me. I loved it.”

10. Post-it notes, biro and desk brush - Zelda Baveystock, Senior Grants/Development Officer, Operations, North East

“Three office design classics in one here for you ... all daily essentials for a dedicated grants officer.” 

9. 1975 BMW – Louise Lane, Director of Communications 

“It has a vinyl roof, fabulous fuel injection engine and sleek pillarless lines that are truly cool - especially when the windows are down.”

8. The Gluggle Jug – Charlotte Mulliner, Grants Officer, Nottingham 

“My favourite thing is that when you pour the water, it makes a gluggle sound.” 

7. London Underground map – Jo Baker, Government and Parliamentary Relations Officer 

“I like it because it is the easiest metro/underground map to understand that I have ever experienced from any city I have travelled to, while also being cool to look at.”

6. Lip sofa – Heather Turvey, Grants Officer, East England 

“I like it because it’s fun and represents old Hollywood glamour (the lips were inspired by Mae West).”

5. Marmite pot – Katie Owen, Senior Media Manager 

“As a child growing up in the late 1960s and 70s, Marmite was a staple part of my diet. Marmite sandwiches were a favourite for lunch!” 

4. Colman’s Mustard tin – Steve Miller, Trustee 

“Here’s a Norfolk classic – the Colman’s Mustard Bull’s Head logo and colour scheme, designed in 1855. Not many design classics have aged better!”

3. Manual hand whisk – Katie Allen, Website and Digital Editor 

“I just love this whisk because my nan has one that she still uses – it’s the perfect example of design and functionality working together.”

2. The Fisher Price campervan - Úna Duffy, Development Manager, Northern Ireland

“It’s so cleverly designed with multiple options in one toy. A place for everything and everything had its place.”

1. The London Routemaster bus - Nick Randell, Programme Manager and Policy Advisor 

“As a Londoner I had to pick something reflective of the city. It provides one of our iconic visual images while also having that design essential: practicality.” 

Find out more

Find out more about the Design Museum on our YouTube channel and Flickr album.  

Share your favourite design objects on Twitter using #NewDesignMuseum or leave a comment below!