One Minute With: Alice Rawsthorn, design critic

 

Friday 08 March 2013 20:00 GMT
Comments
Rawsthorn says: 'Like most bookish tomboys, I longed for it to be Jo in 'Little Women'
Rawsthorn says: 'Like most bookish tomboys, I longed for it to be Jo in 'Little Women'

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Where are you now and what can you see?

In my office at home in Shoreditch. On the wall to my left, I can see a László Moholy-Nagy collage that I found in a Paris flea market, and on the window to my right, the shadow of a Canterbury climbing rose on a blind.

What are you currently reading?

Jerry Brotton's 'A History of the World in Twelve Maps'.

Choose a favourite author and say why you admire her/him

Elizabeth Gaskell was a wonderful writer, and brilliant social historian.

Describe the room where you usually write

Books, books, books.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

For much of my childhood, like most bookish tomboys, I longed for it to be Jo in 'Little Women'.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

One of the design heroines in my book 'Hello World' is Hilary Cottam, who trained as a social scientist but is now developing new ways of applying the design process to tackling urgent social problems.

Alice Rawsthorn's book 'Hello World: Where Design Meets Life' is published by Hamish Hamilton. She is appearing at the 'Independent' Bath Literature Festival today at 6.15pm

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in