Ken Done (b. Sydney 1940) is undoubtedly the most popular Australian designer of the twentieth century,and one of the few with an international reputation. He has a unique place in the history and development of Australian art. The Ken Done archive, to which this object is related, will be of enormous importance to future researchers and historians of Australian artistic, cultural and social activity in the late twentieth century.

Ken Done's multi-disciplinary approach to design and production and the evolution of the Done Art & Design company, made Ken Done a marketing success story of the 1980s and 1990s. During his career, Done's work spanned television and graphic advertising campaigns through to painting, product, graphic, textile and fashion design. His many projects include his Australia flag design commissioned by the AUSFLAG committee (1995), Kosta Boda glass (1987), Suntory Beer cans (1991), Hanako magazine covers, Tokyo (1988 to 2000) and a BMW art car (1989), the Australian Pavilion identity at World Expo '88 (1988), World Design Congress graphics (1999) and the programs for the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Done's indisputable, and at times controversial, contribution to Australian identity is well documented. He was made a member of the Order of Australia for services to art, design and tourism in 1992.

Anne-Marie Van de Ven, Curator, 2001

Designed by Ken Done

Archive, Ken Done and Done Art & Design, Australia/ Japan/ England/ Sweden, 1950-2000

Includes paintings,2, sketches, artworks on paper, posters, publications, photographs and other material related to Ken Done and Done Art & design organised in the following sections: Biographical material; Ken Done & the Done Co; Commissions; Posters (see detailed list attached)

Made: Done, Ken; ; 1950 - 2000

2001/70/1

1950 - 2000