Although it can feel rigid and permanent in our hands, with the right tools, metal is quite malleable. It can be twisted and contorted into numerous shapes, taking on many appearances. This edit displays the flexibility of metal, both physically and conceptually, and highlights the many techniques associated with metalworking. Some pieces contain subtle intricacies,…
From cow dung to mushroom mycelium to 3D printed sand, this edit showcases examples of contemporary collectible design created from unexpected media. Similar to the unassuming construction and waste materials mentioned in a previous Adorno edit, these makers have looked beyond traditional media to develop practices based around the unexpected. They make use of non-traditional…
Thinking of the realm of ceramics, objects such as tableware, vases, or sculpture often come to mind. But, what about ceramic furniture? This edit features a selection of tactile, textural, and colourful ceramic furniture from the inventive minds of talented makers. Increasingly prevalent in the last few years, this aspect of contemporary ceramics allows makers the…
Developing from historic roots in master workshops around the world, this edit presents a selection of designers whose work highlights the beauty of contemporary woodworking. Carved, turned, oiled, lacquered, or painted, each designer emphasises the material knowledge and craft skill associated with this long-held artistic tradition. The resulting pieces show the flexibility of this seemingly…
On the cusp of functional and decorative, the ten mirrors curated here bring both light and a sense of personality to the spaces they inhabit. They offer a moment of reflection – literally and figuratively – and elevate our living environments in a simple, yet visually intriguing manner. The variety of materials and techniques used…
Gathering inspiration in unexpected places and seeing the beauty of discarded materials. This edit highlights a selection of design studios who employ a more sustainable approach to material use, developing pieces which juxtapose original material histories with their final, collectible forms. They create an interwoven narrative of old and new, cast away and repurposed. Possibilities…
“…the ‘Windows of Design’ project highlights creatives that express a unique philosophy through their work and objects that represent a viewpoint towards design that is not purely stylistic. I wanted the items in the installation to create a dialogue with each other that was not only in harmony, but also in debate and contrast.” –…
As objets d’art, these ten select pieces spark interest, draw the eye, and bring personality to a space. At a moment when we are spending more time at home, intriguing and versatile pieces of collectible design can enliven and complete your home environment. Within the collectible design world, objets are not necessarily functional, though some…
Functional art finds itself in a space where utilitarian objects – furniture, tableware, and lighting, among others – take an aesthetic turn, emphasising both the functional and artistic qualities of design. Rather than purely design objects, functional art is practical and focuses on usability in everyday life. These pieces do not compromise on aesthetic value,…
You have probably found yourself scrolling through your social media feed and come across something that might have looked a bit too impossible to be true. You question – is this real? To explore the world of 3D rendering and its uses in the collectible design industry, Adorno has teamed up with a diverse…
Wearable art finds itself at the intersection of jewellery and fashion design and collectible design. First developing in the 1930s and growing throughout the 1960s and 1970s as the “wearable art movement”, it has featured avant garde clothing, jewellery, headwear, and footwear and champions strong artistic statements. Most often handmade, these pieces emphasise the craftsmanship…
From ceramic to glass, traditional shapes to new forms, discover a wide range of textural, colourful, and functional vases by makers from around the world. This edit explores the Adorno archives to bring together a curated selection of vases which portray ingenuity in their use of material. Woven rattan, textured rubber, blown glass, and innovative…
Alec Zajac
Stephanie Dean