Poison pens

Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock writing instrumentsBrands paying homage to cultural icons run the risk of tarnishing the very people they are commemorating, but in the case of Montblanc’s Alfred Hitchcock writing instruments, the outcome is a fitting tribute to a master of the silver screen. Comprising two limited editions (including both a rollerball and fountain pen), the styli feature subtle references to the British auteur’s cinematic canon, from the spiralling lacquer finish on the barrel (Vertigo), to the knife-shaped clip on the cap (Psycho).

From £2,065; montblanc-alfred-hitchcock.com

Urban legend

Equal parts product designer, sculptor, architect and urban planner, Thomas Heatherwick’s work has never been easily definable. Now his design studio’s extraordinary body of work – including the breathtaking Seed Cathedral at the 2010 Shanghai Expo (above), the caterpillar-like Rolling Bridge in Paddington Basin, the new London Routemaster – is to be exhibited at the V&A’s Porter Gallery, from 31 May until 30 September, as part of a season celebrating British design.

Heatherwick Studio: Designing the Extraordinary; vam.ac.uk

Neon dream

Chris Bracey has been making neon art for over three decades, creating artworks for the fashion and film industries. He talks about his work as he headlines at Daniel Poole’s pop-up store, God’s Own Junkyard…

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Art beat

Jeff Koon's BMW Art CarTEFAF Maastricht, is known as the world’s leading art and antiques fair, giving visitors a unique chance to view and to buy works from artists as diverse as Renoir and Anish Kapoor, as well as objects reflecting 7,000 years of excellence in the decorative arts (even BMW Art Cars, such as the Jeff Kons edition pictured). A distinctive feature of TEFAF is elegantly displayed genuine masterpieces offered by more than 260 prestigious art and antiques dealers from 18 countries. The fair has led the way in establishing proper vetting procedures: 29 committees, made up of over 170 experts in every field of art represented at the fair, verify each and every object for quality, authenticity and condition, so visitors always buy with confidence. To celebrate its silver jubilee, this year TEFAF also has an exhibition of master drawings, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rubens and Rembrandt. 16-25 March; tefaf.com

Design for life

Alberto Alessi, president and director of design at Alessi, the Italian kitchenware company founded by his grandfather 90 years ago talks about his work and how he made it fun…

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