Writers reveal 26 treasures in 62 words

The poets Andrew Motion and Maura Dooley are among the 26 writers taking part in 26 Treasures, a unique collaboration between the writers' collective 26 and the V&A, as part of this year's London Design Festival. Through personal and poetic responses, the writers aim to encourage visitors to take a different, non-scholarly look at precious objects in the V&A's collection.

The project sees 26 writers paired with 26 objects in the V&A's British Galleries, with each writer writing exactly 62 words in response. The written pieces will be on display next to the objects during the London Design Festival, from 18 - 26 September.

Writers were paired with objects at random. Andrew Motion was paired with a bust of Homer, and Maura Dooley with an ornate mirror. The other objects range from the The Great Bed of Ware to a Rococo candle stand, from James II's wedding suit to Mr Nobody with a drinking glass.

26 Treasures is a project created for and run by members of the writers' collective 26 www.26.org.uk. The visual identity for the project was designed by Pearlfisher; Domenic Lippa at Pentagram designed the exhibition materials; and Dan Oparison designed and built the 26 Treasures website.

Rob Self-Pierson, the writer who had the initial idea for the project, said: "I loved the idea of telling the stories behind the objects, inspiring visitors to see the treasures in a new light. 26 Treasures is also an amazing opportunity to showcase writing in the V&A. We hope people will follow the trail and feel inspired."

Sophie Reynolds, London Design Festival Officer at the V&A, said: "The V&A has a long history of inspiring artists, and every day we see people sketching in the galleries. So what a brilliant idea to ask writers to respond in words. The responses are wonderful - from the personal and serious to the laugh-out-loud funny. The 26 Treasures trail will give visitors a new, rewarding and insightful way to view the 26 objects. It also promises to be a lot of fun."

John Simmons, one of the founders of 26, said: "It's the eighth year that 26 has participated in the London Design Festival, making sure that writing is celebrated as an essential element of design and communication. This has been our most exciting collaboration yet and the results have been extraordinary."

The project will continue after the London Design Festival, with members of the public invited to submit 62 words on an object of their choosing, and students from the London College of Communications will also be taking part in a 26 Treasures inspired project.