The displays trace how these technological advances have shaped
the look and operation of everyday objects, as well as cutting edge
design, and impacted on their availability to both restricted and
mass markets.
Click on any of the images below to see a larger version of the
object and find out more about it.
In the 19th century many designs were influenced by the art of
earlier periods, and the resulting products were expensive,
intended for an educated and discerning clientele. By the mid-20th
century, industry had developed many different techniques for
making identical objects by the thousand, and mass production
brought decorated wares and new technologies to all levels of
society.
The Arts and Crafts Movement was formed in Britain in reaction
to both crudely made, mass-produced goods and pretentious luxury
items, although few could afford their exquisitely crafted
objects.
Changing trends
The mid-19th century saw enormous increases in world trade and
travel, as steamships and locomotives speeded up the exchange of
cultures and traditions. As a result, design trends such as Art
Nouveau developed in a truly international way. At first a
sophisticated style for expensive items, Art Nouveau was quickly
seized upon to make mass produced items look fashionable and
therefore saleable, and during the early 20th century it was
gradually replaced by a desire for more functional, streamlined
design.
The Second World War brought many changes which, after the years
of austerity, had far reaching consequences in the period which
followed. The massive manufacturing capacity of wartime turned to
making goods for the domestic market, at prices ordinary people
could afford.
Pop culture and space age design
Throughout the 1950s and '60s, as teenagers began to assert
their own identities, high-end design became influenced by
fashionable goods aimed at a young market, while advances in space
technology were reflected in the Sputnik shapes of vacuum cleaners
and suspended television sets.
1980s technological change was faster than ever before, as
hi-tech space race innovations were applied to domestic appliances.
As we move into the 21st century, the continued pace of change is
represented by state-of-the-art audio equipment and a headset with
near-to-eye microdisplay technology used for military training and
for medical applications.
21st century style
Contemporary design continues to draw inspiration from the past,
while looking to the future through innovative uses of modern
materials and production techniques. From jewellery to musical
instruments, the gallery showcases some striking examples of modern
design.