Martino Gamper's exhibition at the Serpentine Sackler Gallery
Design is a State of Mind
It’s always great to see outstanding design celebrated, and it’s especially encouraging when an institution like London’s Serpentine Galleries gets involved. For their second major design exhibition since Design Real, curated by Konstantin Grcic in 2009, the Serpentine invited influential London-based Italian designer Martino Gamper to curate a new exhibition, Design is a State of Mind, at the Serpentine Sackler Gallery.
Choosing to use shelving systems to tell the story of design objects and their impact on our lives, Design is a State of Mind presents an extensive selection of historical design classics and one-off pieces, alongside contemporary and newly commissioned work, including designs by Gaetano Pesce, Franco Albini, Ettore Sottsass, Ercol, Gio Ponti, and IKEA.
But it’s not just the shelving units that will be on display; each piece exhibited will also be put to use to exhibit collections of objects curated from Gamper’s personal archives, and those of his friends and colleagues, as well as an extensive library of contemporary furniture manufacturing catalogues sourced from around the world.
Åbäke &
Claudio Salocchi, Bookcase, 1960. Manufactured by Sormani. Metal, lacquered wood, and pivoting base. Image: Amendolagine e Barracchia. Courtesy of Nilufar.
Michele De Lucchi, Montefeltro, 2008. Oak frame, walnut elements, and linseed oil finishing. Image: Amendolagine e Barracchia. Courtesy of Nilufar.
Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Bookcase, 1946. Manufactured by Pietro Crespi, wall lights by Lumi. Bookcase: Walnut-veneered wood, and painted metal. Wall lights: painted metal. Image: Amendolagine e Barracchia. Courtesy of Nilufar.
Angelo Mangiarotti & Bruno Morassutti, Cavalletto, 1955. Walnut. Image: Amendolagine e Barracchia. Courtesy of Nilufar.
Vico Magistretti, Nuvola Rossa (double set), 1977. Manufactured by Cassina. Image: Fondazione studio museo Vico Magistretti.
-
Text by
-
Ambra Medda
Ambra is a passionate, seasoned curator, who facilitates great design through innovative collaborations between designers, artists, brands, and institutions. Among many other things.
-
More to Love
Windsor Ercol Coffee Table
Mid-Century Side Chair by Lucian Ercolani, 1960s
Vintage Model 355 Stufio Couch in Blonde and Gray by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol
Vintage Nest of Dark Pebble Tables by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol
Mid-Century Drop-leaf Dining Table by Luigi Ercolani for Ercol, 1960s
Coffee Table with Black Wooden Base by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol, 1950s
Mid-Century Elm Dining Table and Chairs from Ercol
No.371 Windsor Chairs by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol, 1970s, Set of 2
Windsor Chairs by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol, 1970s, Set of 6
Dining Chairs by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol, 1960s, Set of 6
Vintage Blue Lounge Chair by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol
Model 355 Daybed by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol, 1950s
Mid Century Armchair by Lucian Erolani for Ercol, 1950s
Vintage Armchair by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol
Goldsmith Dining Chair by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol
Mid-Century Sideboard from Ercol
Vintage Armchairs from Ercol, 1950s, Set of 2
High Back Chairs by Ercol Goldsmith, Set of 4
Windsor Chair from Ercol, 1960s
Nesting Tables by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol, Set of 3
Dropleaf Teak Table from Ercol, 1950s
Blue Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier, 1960s
Pendant Light by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1940s
Sale
Cowhorn Chair by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol Windsor, 1960s
Green & Gold Murano Glass Flower Ceiling Lamp by Ercole Barovier, 1960s
Wool and Watercolor Tapestry by Rita Mortensen
Vintage Blonde Beech & Green Velvet Sofa by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol, 1950s
British Model 427 Lounge Chair by Lucien Ercolani for Ercol, 1960s
Fleur de Lys Back Armchair from Ercol, 1960s
Fleur de Lys Rocking Chair by Ercol
Italian Smoking Set by Ercole Barovier, 1940, Set of 3
Small Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier, 1940
Mid-Century Stackable Chair by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol
Rostrato Murano Glass Table Lamp by Ercole Barovier for Barovier, 1940s
