Mid-century modern design masters and their masterpieces highlighted in a fresh publication
In the world of design, midcentury modern style continues to captivate and inspire. Dominic Bradbury's book, Mid-Century Modern Designers, published by Phaidon Press in 2025, offers an encyclopedic guide to this iconic design movement.
The 352-page volume showcases key figures of midcentury modern design, including Eero Saarinen, Verner Panton, Oscar Niemeyer, and many others. From the sleek lines of Giuseppe Scapinelli's 'Agua' coffee table to the psychedelic interiors of Verner Panton, the book offers a visual feast of design innovation during the mid-20th century.
But the book's impact goes beyond just showcasing these designers' work. It demonstrates the global influence of midcentury modern design, illustrating how these designers' work transcended national boundaries to shape architecture and design worldwide. From Chandigarh by Le Corbusier to Niemeyer's projects, the book highlights iconic projects and pieces from diverse regions, emphasising how the movement influenced postwar optimism, progress, and modern aesthetics not just in the United States and Europe, but internationally.
Functionality and craftsmanship are at the heart of midcentury design, and this is evident throughout the book. From Sam Maloof's wooden rocking chairs to Anni Albers' textiles, each piece showcased is a testament to the movement's focus on creating engaging and fun furniture and objects while maintaining functionality.
The book also shines a light on lesser-known names in midcentury design, providing a comprehensive view of the movement's global impact. It includes works from over 300 designers, such as Alvar Aalto, Lina Bo Bardi, Lucienne Day, Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Carlo Mollino, Charlotte Perriand, Lucie Rie, and Sori Yanagi.
Serge Mouille's 'Spider' lights and Mario Bellini's 'Camaleonda' sofa are among the imagery in the book, offering a glimpse into the diverse range of designs that emerged during this period.
For those interested in delving deeper into the world of midcentury modern design, Mid-Century Modern Designers is available for purchase at phaidon.com for £69.95. It is also available on Amazon. The book is formatted in an A-Z format for easy reference, making it an invaluable resource for designers, collectors, and enthusiasts alike.
In essence, Bradbury’s work contextualizes midcentury modern design within a global landscape, highlighting its unique evolution in various locations and the enduring impact it has had on modern design and architecture. This book is a must-read for anyone with a passion for design history and the midcentury modern aesthetic.
This book, Mid-Century Modern Designers, serves as a comprehensive guide to the global influence of midcentury modern design, featuring not just famous designers such as Eero Saarinen and Verner Panton, but also lesser-known names like Alvar Aalto, Lina Bo Bardi, and Sori Yanagi. It offers a visual exploration of the movement, showcasing diverse designs from furniture to textiles, making it a valuable resource for home-and-garden enthusiasts, designers, and those interested in interior-design lifestyle. Additionally, it's available for purchase online for those who wish to delve deeper into the fascinating history of midcentury modern design.
