TIFFANY STUDIOS, Corona, New York (parent company)<br /> TIFFANY FURNACES, Corona, New York (manufacturer)<br /> Clara DRISCOLL (designer)<br/> <em>Wisteria, table lamp</em> (1903-1905) <!-- (front) --><br /> glass, lead, bronze (patinated), electrical components<br /> 68.6 x 47.0 cm diameter<br /> National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne<br /> Purchased, NGV Women's Association, 2018<br /> 2018.649<br /> <!--134705-->
Collection

Observations: Moments in Design History

Learn what has shaped global design across centuries, from key historical moments, materials, manufacturers and design movements.

Across three seminars, hear from expert historians, writers and curators from around the world, as they examine these topics alongside the NGV’s leading collection of historical decorative arts and design.

Gain access to experts from across the globe, with the comfort of learning in your own home. Across three seminars, look back through key periods of history, from craftmanship in India to the birth of Bauhaus, and learn how they have informed design thinking and making today.

The NGV’s annual international online seminar series returns, this time to examine the impact and influence of design across key historical moments and movements. With a focus on the NGV’s leading collection of historical decorative arts and design, historians, writers and curators from around the world examine the movements, materials and manufacturers that shaped global design across centuries. Topics include the role of design in the emergence of trade relations between Asia and Europe, and the rich design histories of Japan, South Korea and India.

Attendees also learn about key international design manufacturers including Wedgwood and Sèvres, and the wide-reaching influences of Art Nouveau, Shaker and Bauhaus design. With spotlight focuses on major twentieth century designers, Observations offers a range of perspectives on the enduring influence of design, experienced through the depth and breadth of the NGV Collection.

Participants will learn from international experts including acclaimed UK-based design critic Alice Rawsthorn OBE; Dr Christian Witt-Dörring, Neue Galerie, USA; Hanai Hisaho, The National Museum of Modern Art, Japan; Misun Rheem, International Academy of Ceramics, South Korea; Sarah Margolis-Pineo, John Keith Russell Antiques, USA and Sarah Piram, Victoria and Albert Museum, UK.

The entire collection of presentations, conversations and lectures will be transcribed into a printed publication, giving audiences the opportunity to revisit the content from Observations: Moments in Design History. Participants can pre-purchase a copy of the book, set to be released in May 2024, when booking into the seminar series.

  • The Observations program is offered as online seminar streams over three dates in August, September and October.
  • Ticket holders will have access to recordings of the seminars for four weeks following the livestream dates.
  • NGV Members, educators and students receive discounted tickets to individual seminars and the series.

The Seminar Series

Observations: Moments in Design History Seminar One: Design in the Early Modern Period Past event Observations: Moments in Design History Seminar Two: Traditional Crafts and the Rise of Modernism Past event Observations: Moments in Design History Seminar Three: Twentieth Century Design: 1900–1980s Past event


Observations: Moments in Design History is generously supported by an Anonymous donor.