There is a strong renewal of interest in the work of Le Corbusier. A major retrospective of his work – “Le Corbusier – The Art of Architecture” – has moved to London’s Barbican Gallery (until 24th May) from Liverpool. In recent design sales in London and New York, prices realised were significantly higher than the upper estimates.
Design Loves a Depression ? Not according to Murray Moss
Michael Cannell’s article in the International Herald Tribune published the 5th January 2009 has certainly elicited a stern response and rebuke from Murray Moss. Mr Cannell’s view that design tends to thrive in tough economic times did not find favour with Mr Moss.
In the scarcity of the 1940s, Charles and Ray Eames produced furniture and other products of enduring appeal from cheap materials like plastic, resin and plywood. Italian design also flowered in the aftermath of the second World War.
“American designers took the depression as a call to arms. It was a chance to make good on the Modernist promise to make affordable, intelligent design for a broad audience.”- Kristina Wilson, author of ‘Livable Modernism – Interior Decorating and Design during the Great Depression’.
