What is Postmodernism?
Not sure what it means to be Postmodern? We asked leading practitioners to define this most elusive design style
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.
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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.
Collection highlights
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Poltrona di Proust, armchair, designed by Alessandro Mendini/Studio Alchymia, 1978, Milan, Italy -
So Long Frank Lloyd Wright Bowl, bowl, by Mark Lindquist, 1994, Florida, US -
Cabinet de Curiosité, cabinet, designed by Shiro Kuramata, manufactured by Ishimaru Co., Ltd., 1988, Tokyo, Japan -
Isotta, bowl, designed by Bořek Šípek, made for Driade SpA, 1987, Czech Republic -
Concrete Stereo, stereo system, designed by Ron Arad, 1983, London, England -
The Mickey Mouse Gourmet Collection, kettle, designed by Michael Graves, made by Möller Associates, 1991, China -
Westside Lounge, armchair, designed by Ettore Jr Sottsass, manufactured by Knoll Studio, 1983, Italy -
Super lamp prototype, designed by Martine Bedin, made by Fausto Celati, about 1977 – 81, Milan, Italy -
Poster advertising the music group Kraftwerk at Musikhalle, Hamburg, 20th century -
Poster, by Hans-Jürgen Burkhard, commissioned by Oliviero Toscani, 1992 -
Design for the the AT&T Building, by Philip Johnson, Raj Ahuja and John Burgee, 1978, US -
Memphis cocktail glass, by Richard Holloway, 20th century -
Casablanca, sideboard, designed by Ettore Sottsass Jr, manufactured by Memphis, 1981, Milan, Italy -
Design drawing for a melon scoop, designed by Pino Spagnolo, 1991, Italy -
Bel Air, chair, designed by Peter Shire, produced by Memphis, 1982, Los Angeles, US -
Little Heavy, chair, designed by Ron Arad, made by by One Off Ltd, 1989, London, England
Features
Background image: © Victoria and Albert Museum, London