Unfolding Potential: Fidgets to soft robotics Darryl Bedford
Event details
Join paper engineer Darryl Bedford on a journey that starts with a single fold and ends with soft robotics, high fashion and the cutting edge of design.
Darryl’s path began simply - making humble paper baubles - but has evolved into designing intricate Kirigami sculptures, delicate tactile fidget spinners and complex collaborations in the world of soft robotics. Discover how paper isn't just a flat surface; it’s a tool for lifelong learning. Darryl will explore how the simple act of folding connects directly to neuroplasticity - our brain's amazing ability to change, adapt and grow.
In an era defined as the ‘swipe generation’, we often lose touch with the physical world. Darryl will demonstrate how the focused, meditative process of Kirigami can reduce stress, improve concentration and offer a necessary tactile antidote to our fast-paced digital lives.
Darryl will also reveal the hidden mathematical principles behind his work, proving that geometry is really just art with rules. He’ll also debunk the myth of the Eureka moment, guiding you through ‘Unfolding Multiple Pathways to Discovery’, illustrating how setbacks are actually crucial steps in the evolution of a design.
Addressing the digital world we live in, he’ll explore phygital crafting and share how he uses Artificial Intelligence not to replace the artist, but as a collaborator to visualise complex geometries and drive his craft forward.
Finally, find out how crafting leads to higher learning. Whether you aspire to be an engineer, a scientist or an artist, the skills you learn through paper - problem-solving, critical thinking and resilience - are universal.
Join Darryl and discover that a humble sheet of paper holds infinite potential, just like you.
Designed for adults - open to ages 11+.
Image credit: Darryl Bedford
About the speaker
Darryl Bedford is an artist who proves that a simple sheet of paper can hold infinite potential. Based in London, he is best known for his ‘drawstring origami’ technique - a fusion of ancient craft and modern laser-cutting technology that turns paper into flexible, fabric-like surfaces. Darryl’s work operates at the intersection of art, science and wellbeing. Originally turning to paper folding as a therapeutic tool to navigate grief, he has since expanded his practice into the cutting edge of science and design. His fascination with the geometry of microscopic sea creatures and tessellated forms has led to collaborations in Soft Robotics with the University of Southern Denmark and a celebrated runway showcase at London Fashion Week 2025. A neurodivergent designer who champions learning through making, Darryl invites audiences to look beyond the fold to see how patience, mathematics and creativity can solve modern human problems. You can follow his experiments and tutorials on Instagram and YouTube at @vectoriseart.
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