Mid-Century Modern: Australian Furniture Design is an exhibition of innovative pieces of original Mid-Century Modern (Retro) furniture and homewares produced by Australian designers and craftspeople.

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As a huge fan of the Mid-Century Modern style, I was really excited to head down to Melbourne to see the exhibition for myself. What awaited was a feast for the eyes! The showcase included spectacular pieces by celebrated Australian designers such as Grant Featherston, Clement Meadmore, Michael Hirst, Fred Lowen, and many others. Each piece was constructed with a minimalistic silhouette and a ‘futuristic’ vision. They were groundbreaking in their simplicity. The idea was to leave the over-blown designs of the 1920s, 30s and 40s behind for a very pared-back look, using simple materials, as well as focusing on comfort and functionality. To learn more about incorporating Mid-Century Modern style into your home, click here

Below are a few of my favourite pieces from the exhibit. What I really love about many of these pieces is that they would look fab in today’s contemporary design schemes.

Kone Chair by Roger McLay, 1948.

Kone Chair by Roger McLay, 1948

R152 Contour Chair by Grant Featherston, 1950

R152 Contour Chair by Grant Featherston, 1950

E2 Elastic Suspension Chair by Grant Featherston, 1954

E2 Elastic Suspension Chair by Grant Featherston, 1954

Calyx Standard Lamp & Reclining Chair by Clement Meadmore, 1953

Calyx Standard Lamp & Reclining Chair by Clement Meadmore, 1953

 

Calyx Standard Lamp by Clement Meadmore, 1953. Lounge Sleeper by Gerard Doubé. B230 & B330H Contour Chairs by Grant Featherston, 1953. Coffee Table by Grant Featherston.

Calyx Standard Lamp by Clement Meadmore, 1953. Lounge Sleeper by Gerard Doubé. B230 & B330H Contour Chairs by Grant Featherston, 1953. Coffee Table by Grant Featherston.

The Cover of Australian Home Beautiful Magazine, April 1951

The Cover of Australian Home Beautiful Magazine, April 1951

Aluminium Shell Chair by Fred Lowen, 1954. Boomerang Table by Robert Klippel, 1955. Screen by Steven Kalmar, 1955.

Aluminium Shell Chair by Fred Lowen, 1954. Boomerang Table by Robert Klippel, 1955. Screen by Steven Kalmar, 1955.

H-Flex Chair by Michael Hirst, 1960. Outdoor Table by Michael Hirst, 1958. Beco Lamp by Don Brown, mid 1950s.

H-Flex Chair by Michael Hirst, 1960. Outdoor Table by Michael Hirst, 1958. Beco Lamp by Don Brown, mid 1950s.

1950s armchair. Designer unknown

1950s armchair. Designer unknown

Rondo Chairs by Gordon Andrews, 1969. Circular Rug by Mona Hessing, 1933. ‘Industrial Revolution’ Artwork by Jack Meyer, 1971.

Rondo Chairs by Gordon Andrews, 1969. Circular Rug by Mona Hessing, 1933. ‘Industrial Revolution’ Artwork by Jack Meyer, 1971.

Numero IV Lounge by Grant & Mary Featherston, 1974. Brazil series no. 7 artwork by David Aspden, 1971.

Numero IV Lounge by Grant & Mary Featherston, 1974. Brazil series no. 7 artwork by David Aspden, 1971.

 

The Details

What: Mid-Century Modern: Australian Furniture Design

Where: The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC

When: 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday, 30th May- 19th October 2014

For more information, visit http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/exhibitions/mid-century-modern-australian-furniture-design

 

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If you need some extra help incorporating some Mid-Century Modern style into your home, feel free to call me on 0416 190 792 or email me at [email protected]. Also visit my Pinterest page for some home inspiration.