The mid-1950s was a time when European countries were at long last beginning to feel the return of normalcy after the ravages of World War II, and rapid economic growth was ushering in an era of more indulgent lifestyles characterized by outpourings of new products featuring innovative designs.

The airplane became a familiar mode of transport in the 1960s, when technological advances finally put a man on the moon. On a more mundane level, scooters and other products brought mobility to the masses, along with free movement and longer leisure time. The 50s and 60s also saw the debuts of inventions that shaped the way we live today, such as the portable transistor radio, which made personal and on-the-go listening possible. These lifestyle changes were rapidly and enthusiastically embraced by Britain’s young, who eagerly sought novelty, originality, and excitement. Bands like the Beatles came on the scene, boutiques specializing in young fashion opened one after another on high streets, and youths sporting mod looks appeared, as did Twiggy in her miniskirt, turning London into a fountainhead of youth culture.

This exhibition took a fresh look at this era through industrial design from various countries that featured in the everyday life of 1950s and 60s London. It also looked comprehensively at the fashion- and music-driven youth culture and lifestyles that symbolized "Swinging London."

Exhibits :

• 180 objects

Catalogue texts :

• Stuart Durant
• Michael Whiteway
• Paul Reeves
• Hidehiko Sato
• Yuji Maeyama
• Yasuharu Muramatsu
• Miki Nammmoku

Lenders :

• Michael Whiteway
• Jimmy Page
• Paul Reeves
• Koriyama City Museum of Art
• Iwaki City Art Museum
• Kobe Fashion Museum
• Iwami Art Museum
• Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts
• Mini Maruyama
• ESP
• YAMAHA MUSIC TRADING CORPORATION
• KORG INC.
• Private lenders

Photo © Paul Reeves