Postmodernism

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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.

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Room 76: currently closed
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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

Concrete Stereo, stereo system, designed by Ron Arad, 1983, London, England

sugar basin and spoon — The Mickey Mouse Gourmet Collection, kettle, designed by Michael Graves, made by Möller Associates, 1991, China

Super lamp prototype, designed by Martine Bedin, made by Fausto Celati, about 1977 – 81, Milan, Italy

poster — Poster advertising the music group Kraftwerk at Musikhalle, Hamburg, 20th century

design — 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 — 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

Postmodernism

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