ACID is  extremely proud of all our member’s success stories this, especially, is an amazing achievement, and. never more so than when truly excellent design is shown the respect and gravitas is deserves. ACID member Triclimb’s classic handmade Pikler climbing triangle has been championed by permanently being displayed in the new Young Victoria & Albert Museum.

Christine Dunford, designer at Triclimb and ACID Ambassador, has a history of understanding how great design works. Having completed studying Furniture Design and Technology, Christine used her craftsmanship to design Triclimb in her garden shed. She honed her skills and knowledge to create a climbing frame for children which is based on the Pikler triangle, an important expression in child development through movement and play. The Triclimb frame encompasses the ability to teach children gross motor skills and physical exploration, using simplistic yet aesthetically pleasing design. Every aspect of the frame is designed with high-spec materials, an innovative interlocking joint system and warp resistant wood, making the frame a slim, sleek, and strong design. As a company, Triclimb have become highly successful, designing a whole range of early years children’s toys and equipment.

As is often the case with great design, Christine found herself embroiled in a David vs Goliath battle against Aldi in a wholly unjust fight to ensure she kept her intellectual property (IP) rights. Luckily, she had the backing and support of ACID and our excellent IP specialist legal affiliates. Although it was a frightening and exhausting position to be in, a small designer against behemoth Aldi, Christine won the battle with Aldi and they stopped stocking their copycat versions.

Christine remains a stalwart supporter of IP rights being fought and kept for original design. She became a voice for all small designers, when speaking on their behalf at the All Parliamentary Group for IP. She delivered an emotive and rousing speech, describing the debilitating effects defending her rights had on all aspects of her business and creativity.

Christine Dunford, Designer at Triclimb, said, “We at Triclimb are incredibly proud and honoured to be part of the V&A’s prestigious collection. Institutions such as the V&A play such a vital role in supporting and celebrating good design. Anybody can produce a knock-off – it’s easy! But good design is hard and takes time, effort, creativity and investment. Given all the IP battles Triclimb has had to endure, we’re so delighted to have had all that hard work recognised and validated. We’re also thankful to ACID for their vital help and support with our IP battles, without which, Triclimb would never have reached this point.”

Dids Macdonald OBE., CEO of ACID, says, “Christine Dunford is undoubtedly a talented designer but she is also a fighter about what is right in terms of IP respect, compliance and ethics. As a lone voice, she boldly told her story about the devastating effects of the cheap, lookalikes which Aldi passed off as their own design. Shame on you Aldi for not recognising the value of supporting British designers who create original designs which are not only beautifully designed but comply with the highest safety standards. I applaud Christine’s tenacity and it is a wonderful accolade to be recognised by the V & A in this way.”

The Young V&A has just been re-opened after a complete refurbishment and revamp, costing 13 Million. It brings together all the diverse, innovative, explorative, and imaginative designs from childhood years, historically and current. As the V&A itself, it is home to the most stand-out pieces of design, which will teach history, inspire creative minds, and explore all the possibilities of imagination. It is momentous for Christine’s pioneering design to be a permanent installation in the Young V&A and a victory for the enduring spirit of original design.

You can visit the Young Victoria & Albert Museum every day from 10am-5:45. Entry is free.

Find out more at www.vam.ac.uk/young

See Triclimb designs at www.triclimb.co.uk