St James Motoring Spectacle

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Pre-Victorian to Formula 1

The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) presents the return of the St James Motoring Spectacle — a free, one-day exhibition on Saturday, October 31st 10 am - 3 pm, as part of London Motor Week.

Marking its third year, the showcase spans automotive history from Pre-Victoria era vehicles to modern Formula 1. Visitors can explore around 50 vintage cars and cycles built before 1905, with many owners dressed in authentic period attire.

Featured return entrants include:

      

View the complete 2026 entry list at Veteran Car Run.

Returning highlights, include:

  • British Grand Prix Trophy — The actual trophy recently awarded to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc after his July victory at Silverstone.
  • Rolls-Royce — The iconic 1904 model, recognized as the oldest surviving Rolls-Royce in existence.
  • Daimler — A British-built production model marking 130 years of domestic automotive heritage.
  • Formula 1 — A special commemorative display honoring the centenary of Britain’s inaugural Grand Prix, hosted by the RAC at Brooklands in 1926.

The festivities culminate on Sunday, November 1st, when over 400 veteran cars leave Hyde Park at sunrise for the 2026 RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

Whether you are a car enthusiast or drawn to pre-Victorian times, this unmissable event bridges centuries of motoring heritage!

www.veterancarrun.com/st-jamess-motoring-spectacle
Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HS


V&A Revamped : Design 1900 — Now

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Designs that have stood the test of time

From historical artifacts to cutting-edge technology, the V&A's Design 1900—Now traces design history across six core themes:
  • Automation and Labour
  • Housing and Living
  • Crisis and Conflict
  • Consumption and Identity
  • Sustainability and Subversion
  • Data and Communication
Through ‘Rapid Response Collecting’, the V&A acquires objects tied to major cultural moments — even accepting public nominations.

The gallery's February 2026 update introduced 60 new contemporary items, including Labubu blind-box toys, YouTube's first video, Starface pimple patches, and Loop Earplugs.  By elevating everyday objects to museum artifacts, the exhibit sparked widespread viral attention across TikTok and Instagram.

Here are 7 designs that have stood the test of time:

Everyday Glassware — Finnish designer Aino Aalto created these pieces for a 1930s affordable glassware contest, using raised rings to disguise imperfections in budget glass. Finnish glassmaker Iittala still manufactures them today.

IKEA Catalogue — Founded in 1943, IKEA revolutionized space-efficient furniture and everyday household items through flat-pack design. Its 2003 catalogue reached a print run of 131 million, making it the world's most widely circulated publication.

Fun Fact: Introduced in 2009, the zippered IKEA FRAKTA Storage Bag for Cart became a cult favorite for college moves and travel. Holding up to 55 lbs, it is so ubiquitous that several airlines require passengers to sign damage waivers before checking them as makeshift luggage.
Plastic Stacking Chair — Released in 1963 after three years of development by Robin Day, this ubiquitous plastic polypropylene stacking chair is a staple in classrooms, dining halls, and conference rooms around the globe — with over 14 million sold and counting.


Swatch Watch — The rise in the use of plastics made Swatch watches possible in the 80s. Built with only half the number of parts, it made Swiss watches accessible to the masses. Beginning in 2022, Swatch entered the quasi-luxury market with high-demand collaborations alongside Omega, Blancpain, and Audemars Piguet. These ‘budget-luxury’ releases aim to cultivate long-term brand loyalty — though only ‘time’ will tell if this design strategy will have staying power. 

Running Blade — Medical engineer Van Phillips modeled this prosthetic after a cheetah's hind leg in 1984. Today, roughly 90% of Paralympic sprinters use this design. 
iPhone — Launched in 2007, it quite literally is ‘The phone that changed everything’. Advertised as the ‘revolution product’, it has fundamentally changed how we live.
Amazon Warehouse Robot — If the iPhone transformed personal life, Amazon’s autonomous warehouse robots redefined logistics. Introduced in 2012, these self-driving units fetch products across fulfillment centers — which average 800,000 square feet (roughly 14 football fields) — and deliver them directly to human workers.  This automation drastically reduced processing times, enabling same-day and in some instances even just a few hours. With advances in robotics, Rosie from The Jetson’s is likely not far into the future.

With displays constantly rotating with new acquisitions, the Design 1900–Now gallery offers a fresh experience with every visit.