Observer Mag and Whitechapel Exhibition book

A unique set of, exhibtion catalogue and Observer magazine promoting an early exhibition of modern design and this case modern chairs.
 
In 1970 at a time when modern design in furniture was beginning to become more prominent an important exhibtion took place at the Whitechapel Gallery in London Modern Chairs - 1918-1970.
 
The exhibition was curated by Carol Hogben of the V&A in conjunction with the Whitechapel Gallery and was supported by the The Observer. A fabulous catalogue was produced for the exhibition, which is a comprehensive and early authoritative essay on the subject of modern chairs. 
 
The Observer colour magazine were keen supporters of the project and with help and collaboration of the Whitechapel Gallery and the V&A produced an 8 page article with a front cover image. 
 
Both the catalogue and magazine article make interesting reading in 2024. In the catalogue we learn that Gaetano Pesce’s Up1 chair for C&B Italia has been loaned to the Gallery by Bentalls the department store in Kingston, Surrey. Whilst Up 1 by Pesce was not the most avant garde of his designs, interesting to think that the relatively new world of modern design was available in a Surrey department store. Meanwhile the Observer piece tells us that Zanotta’s ground breaking Saco beanbag chair would cost you approximately £33 ! 
 
Together these two items are rare and offer great historical reference on the history of modern chair design and modern design in general. 
 
 
Catalogue 24x21cm,
Magazine 25x30cm.
This listing is for both items.