Now, where to put that knitted cactus... a lair with more flair

Black walls, gold Venetian blinds, a chandelier and a breathtakingly eclectic collection of objects from knitted cactuses to an inflatable kangaroo - who would work in a room like this?

The answer is Maureen Wayman, pro vice-chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University and dean of the faculty of art and design. When she moved into the office, she was so appalled by the "bog-standard 1970s educational issue furniture" that she reupholstered the chairs in black velvet and sequins. "My approach to a room is to treat it like a grotto."

"People in art and design collect because it's an inspiration for their work. I tend to deal with a wall in the way I would deal with a piece of paper if designing a fabric."

Professor Wayman's office doubles as a resource centre, with students and staff borrowing items, and colleagues bringing her presents from their travels.

These are not always to her taste. "There's a fine line between something that's so hideous it's fabulous, and something that just misses the mark.

Sometimes I have to be gracious and pop it on a shelf peeping from behind something else." Her favourite item is a 15-inch angel with fibre-optic wings, which starred on the faculty's Christmas card. And she is particularly fond of the juxtaposition of Barbie and Michelangelo's David .

"He's turning away from her in absolute disgust."

Professor Wayman believes she has the most spectacular office in UK higher education. But if you know different, e-mail us at news@thes.co.uk

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