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Mid-Century Modern Taster Lecture Recording
Online course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
If the taster made you curious to learn more, you can join Lis Darby and guest lecturers on our 5-week online course Mid-Century Modern Design, with live sessions starting from Tuesday 21 April 2026, and available on catch-up until 23 June 2026.
If you have any questions, or would like more information about attending this or another online courses, please contact the V&A Academy team on courses@vam.ac.uk.
To browse all our courses, click here.
Our courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live or catch up on demand. Join discussions and continue your learning with downloadable handouts and presentations. Find out more >>
Thinking about an online course? Try this free one-hour art history lecture recording that you can enjoy when it suits you best. Simply sign up to receive your recording link and join V&A Academy course director Lis Darby to discover Mid-Century Modern.
The lecture will explore how the period 1940 - 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.
To book, simply sign up to the V&A Academy newsletter by clicking here or use the 'book now' button showing on the right.
You will receive the viewing link in your welcome email within 24 hours and will have access to the taster lecture recording for a limited time.
The lecture will explore how the period 1940 - 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.
To book, simply sign up to the V&A Academy newsletter by clicking here or use the 'book now' button showing on the right.
You will receive the viewing link in your welcome email within 24 hours and will have access to the taster lecture recording for a limited time.
Please note, this taster lecture recording cannot be booked via the shopping basket, via phone or Contact Centre. For any questions please email courses@vam.ac.uk.
If the taster made you curious to learn more, you can join Lis Darby and guest lecturers on our 5-week online course Mid-Century Modern Design, with live sessions starting from Tuesday 21 April 2026, and available on catch-up until 23 June 2026.
If you have any questions, or would like more information about attending this or another online courses, please contact the V&A Academy team on courses@vam.ac.uk.
To browse all our courses, click here.
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.
It is an enormous treat for me to be able to attend these courses online. The online format works brilliantly for me! V&A Academy Online Learner
V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.
Our courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live or catch up on demand. Join discussions and continue your learning with downloadable handouts and presentations. Find out more >>
Enrol now
Online course: Mid-Century Modern Taster Lecture Recording
13 February 2026 - 22 June 2026
Free
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
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