Ken Done (b. Sydney 1940) was commissioned in 1993 to create a new environment for the Powerhouse Restaurant in the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. The Powerhouse Garden Restaurant opened in March 1994 and remained popular until the Powerhouse Garden Restaurant murals and designs were removed with the refurbishment of the space in 2002. The restaurant captured the spirit of the artist's own harbourside garden on a perfect summer's day and transformed a dreary industrial interior to create a fantasy landscape of vibrant colour and different layers that energised the architectural space.

A collection of objects from and relating to the vibrantly designed space exemplifies the signature style and mass appeal of Done's work. It complements the extensive archive of Ken Done material held in the Museum's permanent collection.

Done was undoubtedly one of the most popular Australian designers of the late twentieth century, and one of the few with an international reputation. His visual language was so pervasive at the time that it was impossible not to consider his work central to the way in which Australian's defined themselves. His style is instantly recognisable worldwide conjuring up ideas of sun, sand, and surf, basic tenets of the enviable Australian lifestyle which appealed broadly to the tourism industry at the time.

This poster was produced in 1995 to coincide with the Ken Done exhibition displayed at the Powerhouse Museum. The print featured in the design of the poster was created by Ken Done in 1993.

Ken Done, one of Australia's best known artists and designers, was commissioned in 1993 to create a new environment for the Powerhouse Restaurant in the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. The Powerhouse Garden Restaurant captured the spirit of the artist's own harbourside garden situated at Chinamans Beach in Sydney on a perfect summer's day. The garden theme was a landscape fantasy designed to counterbalance the lack of natural light and the industrial character of the upper level of the Museum situated near the executive offices. Initially, Done provided an idea of his scheme in miniature by working on a scale model of the restaurant, complete with lift-off roof. The model was presented to the Trustees who approved the concept. The vivid shapes and colours envisaged by Done, flowed across all surfaces including the walls and ceiling creating real and illusory space.

Ken Done (b. Sydney 1940) was one of the most popular Australian designers of the late twentieth century, and one of the few with an international reputation at the time. The Museum holds a comprehensive archive and collection of Ken Done's work. 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 during the 1980s and 1990s. During his career, Done's work spanned television and graphic advertising campaigns (1950s-1970s) 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. Done was made a member of the Order of Australia for services to art, design and tourism in 1992.

Ken Done, one of Australia's best known artists and designers, was commissioned in 1993 to create a new environment for the Powerhouse Restaurant in the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. Former Director of the Powerhouse Museum, Terence Measham conceived the idea to brighten up the restaurant.

The Powerhouse Garden Restaurant opened in March 1994 and was designed to capture the spirit of the artist's own harbourside garden on a perfect summer's day. The Powerhouse Garden Restaurant murals and designs were removed with the refurbishment of the space in 2002.

Poster, exhibition, 'Done at the Powerhouse Museum', screen print on paper / glass / metal, designed by Ken Done, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1993-1995

Framed exhibition poster depicting a beach scene viewed from a balcony with text along the base 'KEN AND JUDY DONE. THE ART OF DESIGN. DECEMBER 4TH 1994 TO MAY 7TH 1995 / DONE AT THE POWERHOUSE'. Poster marked.

Designed: Done, Ken; Sydney; 1993 - 1995

Ken Done signature and '93' included in bottom right corner of the print featured in poster.

2008/3/1

1993 - 1995

600 mm

645 mm