1835 - 2010: 175 Years of Victorian Design

RESEARCH BACKGROUND In recognition of the 175th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Victoria, the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet commissioned an exhibition documenting 175 years of design in the State. The exhibition, held at the Design Institute of Australia, repeated and expanded upon an earlier exhibition held as part of the State of Design Festival. Historical exhibitions of this kind require extensive archival research and judicious selection of representative artefacts. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION The project required identification of 40 significant items that documented the history of design in Victoria. Design activity across a broad spectrum of disciplines was considered, with a particular focus on products, and a decision was made to exclude architecture. Few books and other references which catalogue design achievements at a state level currently exist, and records of design for the period between 1835 and 1900 are particularly rare. The project involved archival research into design registration and patent records at the State Library of Victoria, and an investigation of the product history of manufacturing and industry. The developing personal collection of the curator was also enlisted. Curatorial decisions were made to reflect: the diversity of design activity over the period; the diversity of industries that have supported design; major achievements in innovation and creativity; the significance of the designers involved; state wide representation; and the diversity of design professions. It also aimed to engage with and promote contemporary design and designers. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE The exhibition was a significant part of the State of Victoria's 175th anniversary celebration. It also forms a major component of Ian Wong's PhD research.