Common Roots: a history of European design

Morphé Bowl by Morphé Design Studio (Photography by Jan Rambousek)

Israel's first ever design museum, Design Museum Holon, will examine the history of European design in its upcoming show, Common Roots - Design map of Central Europe.

The exhibition will focus on design from Central and Eastern Europe, from seven decades ago to today. It will explore how design in this part of the world was influenced by events such as World War II and the fall of Communism in 1989.

Cityscapes Rug by ALLT Studio

Objects on show represent designers from Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. A sub-curator from each country  was commissioned in order to ensure a unique insight into the design scene of each territory.

Ornament and Crime (Lenin) by Maxim Velèovský for QUBUS Design Studio (Photography by Gabriel Urbanek)

Historical objects will include pieces such as the first Polish collection of furniture to be made in plastic, and the bright and cheerful folk design which flourished in the 1990s after being censored by Communism for years.

OM Table Courtesy by Jaanus Orgusaar (Photography by Villu Kraan)

The circumstances between 1945 and 1989 were mostly similar across Central and Eastern Europe, with communist rules and nationalised production meaning design was more functional than aesthetically led. After 1989, the shift from Soviet to capitalist influence led to greater freedom of production.

Fellin Furniture by Sixten Heidmets

The exhibitions runs 15th November 2012 - 23rd February 2013.

Who Is Watching You Table Lamp by ALLT Studio

Filigree Vase by Studio Pirsc Porcelain

Spools Vase series by Mara Skujeniece

Coil Rubber Rug by Maja Mesiæ (Photography by Sofia Design Week)