British design: from William Morris to the digital revolution

 

Exhibition takes place at Pushkin State Museum and in spite of being small, it contains a lot of objects, which deserve an intent look. William Morris patterns, Christopher Dresser tableware, Charles Mackintosh furniture and other Art- Nouveau styled objects standing near to a number of British contemporary artists, who created products in new techniques and materials, however with a great reference to the late nineteen century industry. This mix can impel visitors invent contemporary design through making comparisons.

The most interesting exhibits are Zaha Hadids “Crevasse vase” (2005-2006) and “Nova shoes” (2013) that have as gentle form as Christopher Dressers tableware such as toast rack (1878). Both artists work with similar materials and smooth surfaces, without admitting decorations to the whole form.

 

The “Impression” chair (2002) from Julian Mayor strongly reminds Charles Mackintosh furniture and is a contemporary rethinking of his chairs with new technologies, such as laser cut and plywood as the material instead of wood.

 

The whole impression of the current exhibition is an understanding of how thoughtful and innovative can be designers and how great were some designers of late nineteen century that we still have a clear reference to them in the contemporary world of design.

Ushakova Aleksandra,
level 4