Surrealism
Surrealism is one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century. The Surrealists explored unique ways of interpreting the world, turning to dreams and the unconscious as inspiration for a new vision. During the 1930s, the movement escaped the bounds of the radical avant-garde and transformed the wider world of design.
Our collection illustrates how Surrealist imagery and ideas inspired designers in the fields of photography, theatre, furniture, fashion, textiles, ceramics and graphic design, and includes work by Jean Cocteau, Man Ray and Salvador Dalí among other leading Surrealists.
Features
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A Surrealist sofa by Salvador Dalí and Edward James
Discover the fascinating provenance of this iconic Surrealist sofa
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Introducing Elsa Schiaparelli
Shocking, subversive, surreal – meet Elsa Schiaparelli
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Introducing Eileen Agar: a pioneering surrealist artistIntroducing Eileen Agar, a British artist known for her witty collages and her central position in the surrealist movement’s international networks
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Edward James’ surrealist worldDiscover poet and socialite Edward James, who played a crucial role in the development of surrealist art and its reception in Britain
Collection highlights
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Evening jacket, designed by Charles James, 1937, Paris, FranceV&A East Storehouse -
Table, designed by Méret Oppenheim, 1938 – 39, manufactured by Simon International, 1972 – 84, Paris, FranceYoung V&A -
Normandie, French Railways, poster, by Salvador Dali, 1969, FranceV&A South Kensington -
(Detail) Evening coat, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli and Jean Cocteau, 1937, London, England.V&A South Kensington -
The Lonely Metropolitan, photograph, by Herbert Bayer, 1932, Berlin, GermanyV&A South Kensington -
A pair of champagne standard lamps, by Salvador Dalí and Edward James, 1937 – 39, London, EnglandV&A South Kensington -
Mainbocher Corset (pink satin corset by Detolle), photograph, by Horst P. Horst, 1939, Paris, FranceV&A South Kensington -
Mae West Lips sofa, designed by Salvador Dalí and Edward James, made by Green and Abbott, 1938 – 39, EnglandV&A South Kensington -
Eléctricité, photogravure, by Man Ray, published by Compagnie Parisienne de Distribution de l'Eléctricité, 1931, FranceV&A South Kensington -
Beste Elenique, furnishing fabric, designed by Salvador Dali, made by Schiffer Prints, 1954, USV&A East Storehouse -
Shoe Hat, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, 1937 – 38, France.V&A South Kensington
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Header image:
Mae West Lips sofa, Salvador Dalí and Edward James, 1938 – 39, England. Museum no. W.6-2018. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London