Postmodernism

From about 1970 to 1990, Postmodernism shattered established ideas about design and art. A brilliant mix of theatrical and theoretical, Postmodernism ranges from the colourful to the ruinous, the luxurious to the ludicrous. It is a visually thrilling multifaceted style which so famously defies definition. 

Whether surfaces were glossy, faked or deliberately distressed, the Postmodern object reflected the desire to combine subversive statements with commercial appeal. Our collection includes examples by Italian designers – especially the groups Studio Alchymia and Memphis. 

Search “Postmodernism” in Explore the Collections

Features

Watch

What is Postmodernism?

Not sure what it means to be Postmodern? We asked leading practitioners to define this most elusive design style

  1. Watch

    Postmodernist architecture: total chaos or pure genius? 

    Delve into one of the most fun and experimental design styles – Postmodernism (aka Pomo)

Collection highlights

Show all
  1. armchair
    Poltrona di Proust, armchair, designed by Alessandro Mendini/Studio Alchymia, 1978, Milan, Italy
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  2. bowl
    So Long Frank Lloyd Wright Bowl, bowl, by Mark Lindquist, 1994, Florida, US
    V&A East Storehouse
    On display
  3. cabinet
    Cabinet de Curiosité, cabinet, designed by Shiro Kuramata, manufactured by Ishimaru Co., Ltd., 1988, Tokyo, Japan
    Not on display
  4. bowl
    Isotta, bowl, designed by Bořek Šípek, made for Driade SpA, 1987, Czech Republic
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  5. stereo system
    Concrete Stereo, stereo system, designed by Ron Arad, 1983, London, England
    V&A East Museum
    Not on display
  6. sugar basin and spoon
    The Mickey Mouse Gourmet Collection, kettle, designed by Michael Graves, made by Möller Associates, 1991, China
    Young V&A
    On display
  7. armchair
    Westside Lounge, armchair, designed by Ettore Jr Sottsass, manufactured by Knoll Studio, 1983, Italy
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  8. lamp prototype
    Super lamp prototype, designed by Martine Bedin, made by Fausto Celati, about 1977 – 81, Milan, Italy
    V&A South Kensington
    View by appointment
  9. poster
    Poster advertising the music group Kraftwerk at Musikhalle, Hamburg, 20th century
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  10. poster
    Poster, by Hans-Jürgen Burkhard, commissioned by Oliviero Toscani, 1992
    V&A South Kensington
    View by appointment
  11. design
    Design for the the AT&T Building, by Philip Johnson, Raj Ahuja and John Burgee, 1978, US
    V&A South Kensington
    Not on display
  12. cocktail glass
    Memphis cocktail glass, by Richard Holloway, 20th century
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  13. sideboard
    Casablanca, sideboard, designed by Ettore Sottsass Jr, manufactured by Memphis, 1981, Milan, Italy
    Young V&A
    On display
  14. design drawing
    Design drawing for a melon scoop, designed by Pino Spagnolo, 1991, Italy
    V&A South Kensington
    View by appointment
  15. chair
    Bel Air, chair, designed by Peter Shire, produced by Memphis, 1982, Los Angeles, US
    V&A East Storehouse
    View by appointment
  16. chair
    Little Heavy, chair, designed by Ron Arad, made by by One Off Ltd, 1989, London, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
islamic tile
person working with clay with their hands
two women sat on a long green chair looking away from camera
woman working with a pen in hand on a black mannequin head

Join a V&A Academy experience

Explore our curated range of expert-led courses, workshops, and talks, all with the V&A collections at their core.

  • Expert led courses
  • Practical workshops
  • Lectures & talks
  • Professional development

Shop

Explore the range of exclusive gifts, jewellery, prints and more. Every purchase supports the V&A

Visit the shop
Header image:
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London