1 BREAKING THE RULES: THE PRINTED FACE OF THE EUROPEAN AVANT GARDE
The rapid growth of the movement across European cities, featuring manuscripts, recordings, posters, books and design. The Pearson Gallery, British Library, Euston Road, NW1 (www.bl.uk 020-7412 7332), until Mar 30, free
2 PLASTICITY: 100 YEARS OF MAKING PLASTICS
Display charting the development of man-made materials, from Bakelite to contemporary plastics. Science Museum, Exhibition Road, SW7 (www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 0870 8704868), until Jan 1 2009, free
3 THE VAULT
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A collection of the rare and unusual gemstones, crystals and metals that make up the “Earth’s treasury”. Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 (www.nhm.ac.uk 020-7942 5000), ongoing, free
4 JEAN PROUV?
Furniture, architecture, film and photographs in the first comprehensive UK overview of the work of the influential 20th-century French designer and engineer. Design Museum, Shad Thames, SE1 (www.designmuseum.org 0870 8339955), until Mar 25, £8.50, concs available
5 SINNERS, SCROUNGERS, SAINTS The lives of single mothers from the 1800s to the present day, featuring a wealth of archive material and personal testimonies. They’re not all Vicky Pollards. The Women’s Library, Old Castle Street, E1 (www.londonmet.ac.uk/thewomenslibrary 020-7320 2222), until Mar 29, free