Object of the Month
Showcasing objects from across the UNESCO Design Cities Network
Utilising the UNESCO City of Design Dundee office window space at Central Library, we display a different design object every month from across the UNESCO Cities of Design Network.
Our current display features:
August 2026
World Cup Scarf (2026)
Dundee, Scotland
Image courtesy of V&A Dundee, Photography by Alan Richardson.
Designed by printmaker Aoife Cawley and young creatives from Rockwell Learning Centre this scarf, commissioned by V&A Dundee, is much more than simply football merchandise. It shows teamwork, creativity and young designers contributing to Scotland’s story on the world stage.
The scarf features the words “THINK AGAIN”, a phrase that the young creatives felt was important to include. It asks us not to underestimate young people, just as we shouldn’t underestimate the Scotland National Team.
Working with Aoife Cawley, a Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design graduate, Rockwell Learning Centre pupils learned skills in illustration, patternmaking, and visual communication to create the final scarf design featuring iconic Scottish symbolism.
Find out more:
shop.vandadundee.org | aoifecawleyart.com
@vadundee | @aoifecawleyart
July 2026
Quality Toolkit (2023)
Montréal, Canada
The Quality Toolkit provides digital awareness and training tools to managers, promoters and design community professionals through an online guide and these accompanying playing cards. The project aims to enhance the quality and benefits of urban projects in Montréal, Canada. Its contents are inspired by local and national government policies and are meant to evolve over time, just like a trading card game.
Quality Toolkit is the work of Ville de Montréal’s Bureau du design with animations by Studio Nord Est and illustrations by Alice Picard. Since creating the position of Design Commissioner in 1991, the Ville de Montréal has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at stimulating creation in design and promoting the local and international reputations of Montréal-based designers.
Montréal was designated a UNESCO City of Design in 2006.
Find out more:
designmontreal.com/en/toolkit
@designmtl
June 2026
Dundee Delights Tea Towel (2017)
Dundee, Scotland
Photography by Cara Pirie.
Dundee Delights is an illustrated collection of products by Louise Kirby, celebrating some of the delicious delicacies and iconic places in and around Dundee. Screen printed on 100% cotton; this tea towel celebrates marmalade which was made in Dundee by James Keiller & Son until 1992. Today, the Arbroath-based Mackays still manufactures marmalade in classic copper pans.
Louise Kirby is an illustrator and designer whose site-specific work enhance public spaces and experiences in the public realm with the aim of supporting positive wellbeing.
Dundee was designated a UNESCO City of Design in 2014.
Find out more:
louisekirby.com
@louisekirbydesign
May 2026
Water Hyacinth Woven Bag (2024)
Chiang Rai, Thailand
This bag is designed by the team behind Modaloom, a fashion brand focused on sharing Thai heritage through contemporary design. It is handwoven using water hyacinth, an alien plant species known in Thailand as ‘Buoy Loy’. Native to South America, water hyacinth was introduced to Thailand over 100 years ago. It has rapidly grown throughout the country, spreading through rivers and canals, making it a readily accessible material for both hand and machine weaving. The ribbon wrapped around the bag’s handles references local heritage textiles. It gives the bag a unique character, representing cultural diversity whilst elevating traditional handicrafts into modern fashion pieces.
Modaloom is owned by designer Buth Vathanagul and founded by Buth’s mother JJ. Each piece is created with local makers.
Chiang Rai was designated a UNESCO City of Design in 2023.
Find out more:
modaloom.online
@modaloom_th
April 2026
Hanging Lamp (2019)
Dundee, Scotland
Dundee Design Festival 2019, produced by Agency of None, photography by Kathryn Rattray.
This lamp, by Kevin Sinclair, was constructed as part of a 2-day residency programme (Subject to Availability) wherein four designers worked in a live production space throughout Dundee Design Festival 2019. Visitors could watch each designer work, gain an insight into their design process and buy products, such as this lamp, from the specially designed festival range.
Kevin Sinclair is an industrial designer and co-founder of Muckle Studios, based in Dundee. His goal is to build products that are less frustrating, more fun and intuitive to use.
Dundee was designated a UNESCO City of Design in 2014.
Hanging Lamp was commissioned by UNESCO City of Design Dundee as part of Dundee Design Festival 2019.
Find out more:
2019.dundeedesignfestival.com/subject-to-availability
@kevsink
