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Mid-Century Modern Taster Lecture
Online course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Thinking about an online course? Join V&A Academy course director Lis Darby for a free, live online taster lecture to discover mid-century modern. The period between 1940 and 1965 witnessed new forms in design, helped by material and technical innovations. Plastics, in particular, offered exciting possibilities for the design of furniture and domestic items, contributing to an entirely modern look.
Get to know the V&A Academy learning platform when you join the taster lecture.
After the live lecture, you will receive a viewing link to enjoy the recording on catch up, which will be available for a limited time. Catch up when it suits you best, just as you can with our online or in-person courses.
Ready to learn more? Join Lis Darby and guest lecturers on our 5-week online course Mid-Century Modern Design, starting with live lectures from 21 April 2026, available on catch up until 30 June 2026.
Discover all V&A Academy courses, workshops and events.
Get to know the V&A Academy learning platform when you join the taster lecture.
After the live lecture, you will receive a viewing link to enjoy the recording on catch up, which will be available for a limited time. Catch up when it suits you best, just as you can with our online or in-person courses.
Ready to learn more? Join Lis Darby and guest lecturers on our 5-week online course Mid-Century Modern Design, starting with live lectures from 21 April 2026, available on catch up until 30 June 2026.
Discover all V&A Academy courses, workshops and events.
V&A Academy Course Director
Dr. Elisabeth Darby
Dr. Elisabeth Darby lectures on 19th, 20th and 21st century decorative arts and design, and was formerly Programme Director of the MA in Contemporary Design at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Her most recent book Re-Issue, Re-Imagine, Re-Make: Appropriation in Contemporary Furniture Design was published by Lund Humphries in 2020.
Fascinating and insightful… so much more than can be read in a book! V&A Academy Online Learner
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Online course: Mid-Century Modern Taster Lecture
13 February 2026
Free
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
Header image: ESU 421-C Storage Unit designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Furniture Co., 1949-50