In 2019 the Vitra Design Museum published Objects of Desire: Surrealism and Design 1924 -
Today a catalogue for an exhibition of the same title. This catalogue investigates the crucial
impact that the Surrealist movement has had on design. It is original in its broad historical
scope canvassing the 1920s to the present day. Elegantly designed it includes seven scholarly
essays by curators and academics. These are followed by a comprehensive selection of images
juxtaposing notable Surrealist artworks and design objects from the exhibition. Both the
catalogue and exhibition explore how the Surrealist movement helped liberate design from
convention and functionalist dogma by amplifying and exploring the psychological impact of
designed objects. This autumn the Objects of Desire exhibition will be held at the Design
Museum in London. Surrealism and Design Now will accompany the show as a companion book which
will complement - and not compete with - the original catalogue. This book will be a concise
affordable and visually striking publication aiming overall to embody the inventiveness and
boldness of Surrealism in its design and production. Instead of being a traditional catalogue
the book will focus on key themes and objects from the exhibition and expand upon them. It will
also contain the bulk of new objects and exhibits that are specific to the exhibition at the
Design Museum. The book will be divided into five thematic chapters each taking a notable
object from the exhibition as its starting point. Commissioned essays by renowned writers
including Glenn Adamson and Susanna Brown will introduce each object and theme followed by a
richly illustrated series of plates featuring highlights from the London show. Each chapter
will conclude with interviews with a diverse range of designers and artists from Tim Walker to
Audrey Large showing Surrealism's enduring legacy and impact on contemporary design. Bringing
together an exciting roster of current practitioners in this edition will further the Design
Museum's mission to invite designers to ?think in public' and to serve the design community.
