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, 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.

Painted by Ken Done in Sydney in 1994.

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.

Sign, 'Powerhouse Garden Restaurant', acrylic on wood, painted by Ken Done, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1994, used by Powerhouse Garden Restaurant, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1994-2002

Sign painted on both sides featuring the Powerhouse Garden Restaurant floral design on a yellow background and the logo for the 'Powerhouse Garden Restaurant' on a blue background. One side features text which reads; 'OPEN 7 DAYS 10.00AM - 4.30 PM / THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM ACKNOWLEDGES THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF / DONE ART AND DESIGN / KEN DONE / CHROMA'.

Artist: Done, Ken; Sydney; 1994


Used: Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences; Sydney; 1994 - 2002

Signed 'Ken Done' centre top of sign.

'Done Art & Design' and 'Chroma' logos used under text.

2008/3/2

1994

1730 mm

800 mm