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Mantel Clock, ebonised wood/ maple veneer/ glass/ metal/ mechanical components/ paper, designed by Michael Graves, US, 1986, made by Alessi, Italy, 1988.

'Mantel Clock', ebonised wood/ maple veneer/ glass/ metal/ mechanical components/ paper, designed by Michael Graves, US, 1986, made by Alessi, Italy, 1988.

“The 1980s cut loose from attempts to perfect a highly controlled modern society and, freedom broke out everywhere – particularly the freedom to make a lot of money and spend it all on yourself without guilt. It was the decade of the yuppie and it was the decade of designerism.” Adrian Franklin, Collecting the 20th century, 2009

When it came to design, the 80s were definitely the decade of excess. Minimalism was out and an irreverent exploration of colour and form was in, as a generation of designers embraced a postmodern aesthetic. By the end of the 80s what had begun as a design revolution by the Memphis collective and others had become mainstream. This section of the exhibition looks at some of the memorable design statements of the decade.

A SELECTION OF OBJECTS ON DISPLAY IN THE EXHIBITION

A10698 Small plastic grandfather clock, A9646 Table sculpture, Blue Holden by Margaret Dodd86/1023 Floor Lamp, 86/1015 Room Divider, 85/1826 Sofa, 89/1450 Mirror, framed, mixed media, Kat86/1018 Fruit Stand, 97/144/1 Chair, Clock by Michael Graves for AlessiCredenze or sideboard designed by Iain H


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