On rescuing mass production from the ugliness and aesthetic emptiness which has so far characterised the greater part of its output, and other stories.

Design Research Unit deserve their near mythical position in design history. I first wrote about the "Practical Idealists" four years ago here. More recently, Johnny kindly wrote a guest post here after seeing the exhibition that toured a year or so ago. And a little before that, Eliza Williams wrote this for the Creative Review blog.

Anyone working in design today owes a debt to this amazing collection of disciplined and creative planners and smokers. Back in the day, barely a day went by when the besuited gentlemen of design didn't gather together to flame up a tab and plan a brighter future for us all.

I don't think I've anything to add to what's already been said. Except to say that the new book provides a rather convenient introduction to anyone less than familiar.

Just look at them: It's like Design Avengers Assemble circa 1970.

Comments

[Marcus Jones BA]

Which is one of the reasons I designed the Kokiri table, a merge of modern production techneques (in sand castings) and art. The same leg in weight, size and mass would cost just the same to make. But instead of making it square, basic, flat and bland like all the rset of the other brabb babble.... I added form and creativity- to give back beauty to the world, to give back what progress has reduced us too.

Ironcially the Country it was designed for decided to ignore it.

Go check it out here: http://pinterest.com/marquessjones/kokiri-furniture/

Enjoy !