The Modernist, Issue 53: Object

The first issue of The Modernist on the ‘O’ theme. Here we take on OBJECT and encounter items that while everyday are anything but mundane.

Some classic designs from the late Kenneth Grange (d. 2024) feature in the form of his Instamatic camera from Jon Legge and the Kenwood Chef from Alice Naylor. These are objects with enduring appeal, and throughout this issue we see a wistful appreciation for the analogue and pre-digital, underlining the lasting impact of great twentieth century design grounded in modernist principles. This is particularly apparent in the telephone technology discussed by Richard Fryer, the prized cassette tapes from Sarah Feeney, as well as the tactile pleasure of technical drawing pens from Peter Reid. 

Elsewhere you will find shopping trolleys, clothing fit for outdoor adventures, LC2 armchairs, exquisite filing systems and ‘80s mountain bikes. For the most part we hone in on household items, though also reflect on unexpected objects looming large in the landscape such as James Reid’s military bunker. OBJECT demonstrates the ongoing legacy and relevance of twentieth century design and material culture.

Are some of these objects outlandish? Definitely. Are they a bit outdated? Possibly. Does this make them obsolete? The Modernist argues otherwise!

Published by The Modernist
Softcover

72 pages
200 x 200 mm
ISBN 9772046290042