By Editor Design.nl / 22-03-2010

Fascinated by the return of traditional techniques in Dutch design and art, Museum Hilversum brings light on this subject with an exhibition tracing these developments from 1890 to 2010. For the first time, all the rooms in the museum will be employed. 

Under the yoke of modernism, the rift between craft, design and architecture grew increasingly wider. But in contemporary design, craft is again becoming very relevant. Architects and designers increasingly work manually, using traditional techniques and materials. In times of crisis, quality and durability are key qualities. Decoration, ornament and traditionalism are back and the interest in natural materials and craftsmanship is bigger than ever.

The exhibition begins with the relationship between art and craft of the late 19th century until the Second World War. Then follows the development of craft to (independent) design, with the past decades showing how design itself is recognized as an art form with a reconnection once again to craft. Particularly highlighted will be an interaction between visual styles, trends and techniques.

Besides historically familiar names like Berlage, Eisenloeffel, Lion Cachet, there is the work of greats on show like Ninaber, Kho Liang Ie, Studio Makkink & Bey, Studio Job, Droog Design, and that of young designers Maarten Baas and Christien Meindertsma. Furniture by Gerrit Rietveld and Tejo Remy will be exhibited side by side, ceramics of Bert Nienhuis, Jan van der Vaart and Hella Jongerius, stained glass and textiles by Chris Lebeau, Benno Premsela and Claudy Jongstra, graphic design by Richard Roland Holst, Herman Hana and Anthon Beeke and glass by Andries Copier. Renowned Gooise designers such as Hil Andringa, Louis Bogtman, January des Bouvrie, WM Dudok, January Eisenloeffel, Kobus de Graaff, Maria van Kesteren, Rogier Martens, Niels and Sven, Mieke Pontier and Cor van Velsen will be featured.

In honour of the 125th anniversary of the architect Willem Marinus Dudok (1884-1974), a symposium exploring the themes of the exhibition will be organized. The architect and interior designer Dudok forms an important reference for the symposium which will be held on Friday 23 April. The symposium brings not only the architectural character of Hilversum city forward, but makes a link with themes in architecture of the past and present. Book before April 20, admission to the symposium is free: museumhilversum@hilversum.nl

Een Mooi Ding clarifies the views of some traditional values within the Dutch art and design world and surprises the visitor with the new discoveries of the younger generation.

Een Mooi Ding (A Beautiful Thing)
Craft, Art, Design 1890/2010
27 March until 15 August 2010
Museum Hilversum

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