Telling Tales at the V&A, London, This Summer

An Exhibition of European Designers Inspired by Fantasy

Jun 26, 2009

From 14th July until the 18 October 2009, the V&A offers an exciting exhibition of limited edition pieces that push the boundaries between art and design.

"This exhibition aims to capture a way of designing that has been emerging in recent years. These objects have stories to tell and we wanted to present some of the most creative and innovative examples and explore common themes" said Gareth Williams, the exhibition curator for Telling Tales: Fantasy and Fear in Contemporary Design, a show that will feature 50 objects: furniture, ceramics, lighting and large scale installation. Their common denominator is search into fantasy, parody and a concern for mortality.

Section One: "The Forest Glade"

The objects displayed in the first section are inspired by fairy tales. Prepared to be startled by Tord Bootje's Fig Leaf wardrobe, which he constructed from 616 individual, hand-painted copper leaves.This section will also contain works by Fredrikson Stallard, Julia Lohman, Maarten Baas and Tomas Gabzdil Libertiny.

Next : "The Enchanted Castle"

Possibly not what we would expect from designers but what designers imagine when they parody historical design styles. Object-provocateur such as Studio Job's large cabinet, based on an original from the workshop of Andre-Charles Boulles the famous Baroque cabinet maker (circa 1700). The only difference: this cabinet has a huge hole blasted through its center.

In addition the V&A will display, two recent acquisitions by Maarten Baas. One is Smoke Mirror, created by taking a blowtorch to reproductions of antique furniture. Lath Chair VIII by Sebastian Brajkovic is an exaggerated love seat seemingly made from a single 19th century chair stretched into two. On display will also be work by Jeroen Verhoeven, Julian Mayors, Hella Jongerius and Joris Laarman

The Final Section: "Heaven and Hell"

The theme, here, is mortality and afterlife. Expect reflection, historical references. Fredrikson Stallard, Luc Merx, Jowp van Lieshout, Dunne & Raby, Niels van Eiijk, Miriam van der Lubbe and Boyn Partners, each artist having a very personal view on the matter

The setting for this exhibition has been designed by Nissen Adams and Zerlina Hughes, both come from the theater. Their background for this exhibition, The Forest Glade is made of printed gauze screen, dramatic lighting in symbiosis with the objects and the exploration of the themes.

This will be a display like not many others, is it design? is it art? will it answer the question, possibly not but what it will certainly do, is be conductive to discussions.

The admission is free. The V&A is open daily from 10.00 till 17.45 with Friday late night until 22.00

You will be able to see Telling Tales: Fantasy and Fear in Contemporary Design in the Porter Gallery, the V&A gallery for contemporary exhibitions and installations. There will be a book of the same title for sale at £19.99 and a symposium at the museum on Friday 16 October, 2009.

Thanks to Dorothee Dines, Press Assistant and PA to Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Press Office at the Victoria & Albert Museum for a highly informative press release and quality images.

The copyright of the article Telling Tales at the V&A, London, This Summer in Special Art Gallery Exhibits is owned by Solange Berchemin. Permission to republish Telling Tales at the V&A, London, This Summer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.