CUPS -LONDON- CLAP : GLOBAL DESIGN

 

Cup of cheer, anyone? : In London, the site of multiple lockdowns, Brexit fallout and, now, allegations of racism against the royal family, one man offers escapism in candy colors.

Yinka Hori, a British-Nigerian artist, has spent the last year designing and installing affirmation-laced murals throughout the city - like one in which bubblegum-pink letters announced ''Love always wins''  against a backdrop suggestive of ice cream cones.

Mr. IIlori recently extended this ''theme of positivity'' as he has called it, to table linens, pillows, rugs and socks sold through his website and a few retailers.

The latest designs include bone china mugs and plates emblazoned with his chirpy slogans.

This venture compensates for '' a loss of projects during the pandemic'' he said. And then some. This line has proved so successful that he has hired  additional staff members to manage it into a post-Covid future. Mug 45 pounds, or about $62; a plate Pound 70, or about $97.

The World Students Society thanks The New York Times.