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Women Design: Pioneers in architecture, industrial, graphic and digital design from the twentieth century to the present day
From architects and product designers to textile artists and digital innovators, Women Design profiles a selection of the most dynamic female designers from the modern era, showcasing their finest work and celebrating their enduring influence.
Design throughout history has been profoundly shaped and enhanced by the creativity of women ; as practitioners, commentators, educators and commissioners. But in a narrative that eagerly promotes their male counterparts, their contributions are all too often overlooked.
Women Design seeks to redress that balance, delving into the lives and works of some of the most talented design minds of the 20th and 21st centuries , from architects and artists to designers of all stripes.
Through 21 engaging profiles , Women Design rediscovers and revels in the work of pioneers such as Eileen Gray, Lora Lamm and Lella Vignelli, while shining a spotlight on modern-day trailblazers including Kazuyo Sejima, Hella Jongerius and Neri Oxman.
Richly illustrated with beautiful archival imagery , this is a rare glimpse into the working worlds of some of the most influential forces in contemporary design. Detailed text from design historian Libby Sellers brings the lives and work of these fascinating women to life, exploring how they overcame the challenges of working in a male-dominated world in order to see their groundbreaking creative visions realised.
This book is an invaluable work, a must-read for anyone who claims to know about design, and an inspiring insight into the lives and legacies of 21 truly brilliant women whose work has irrevocably shaped the world around us today.
Design throughout history has been profoundly shaped and enhanced by the creativity of women ; as practitioners, commentators, educators and commissioners. But in a narrative that eagerly promotes their male counterparts, their contributions are all too often overlooked.
Women Design seeks to redress that balance, delving into the lives and works of some of the most talented design minds of the 20th and 21st centuries , from architects and artists to designers of all stripes.
Through 21 engaging profiles , Women Design rediscovers and revels in the work of pioneers such as Eileen Gray, Lora Lamm and Lella Vignelli, while shining a spotlight on modern-day trailblazers including Kazuyo Sejima, Hella Jongerius and Neri Oxman.
Richly illustrated with beautiful archival imagery , this is a rare glimpse into the working worlds of some of the most influential forces in contemporary design. Detailed text from design historian Libby Sellers brings the lives and work of these fascinating women to life, exploring how they overcame the challenges of working in a male-dominated world in order to see their groundbreaking creative visions realised.
This book is an invaluable work, a must-read for anyone who claims to know about design, and an inspiring insight into the lives and legacies of 21 truly brilliant women whose work has irrevocably shaped the world around us today.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published June 7, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 19, 2018
Women Design celebrates the achievements of some of the great women designers in a patriarchal industry. When asked about important designers, most people only name men. This is an excellent addition then to the books about women architects, industrial designers and textile designers.
The interesting articles include biographies of Althea McNish who brought a 'riot of colour' into the drab post-war world of Britain with her tropical textile designs, Lella Vignelli who took 'modernist designs with European sensibilities' to New York with her husband and Lora Lamm who epitomised the La Bella Vita era with her playful graphic designs.There is also the incredible architect Zaha Hadid.
This is a great book for anyone interested in the world of design. I was a bit confused however by the mention of the Trinidad artist Lord Kitchener. I think that Sellers should have pointed out that this was a stage name for a calypso artist!
I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
The interesting articles include biographies of Althea McNish who brought a 'riot of colour' into the drab post-war world of Britain with her tropical textile designs, Lella Vignelli who took 'modernist designs with European sensibilities' to New York with her husband and Lora Lamm who epitomised the La Bella Vita era with her playful graphic designs.There is also the incredible architect Zaha Hadid.
This is a great book for anyone interested in the world of design. I was a bit confused however by the mention of the Trinidad artist Lord Kitchener. I think that Sellers should have pointed out that this was a stage name for a calypso artist!
I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
May 27, 2020
It was great to be exposed to more female designers and architects.
However, most of the essays in here contextualize these designers within their male-dominated profession. The point of these women being pioneers in male-dominated professions of architecture and design was highlighted in most of the essays. Okay, got it. But the issue I take is when Sellers talks about those female designers who had male partners. The narrative seemed to hover over how the woman was overshadowed by her male counterpart. Okay, got it. But why couldn't Sellers concentrate on the actual work instead of the misplaced accolades? This was an opportunity to correct the narrative, to break these women out from their subordinate role as collaborator and celebrate them for their individual contributions to their professions.
This common narrative of the woman being overlooked is tired. Yes, it happened, but it's time to take back control of the narrative to build these women up for the incredible contributors they are/were without undermining their work by belaboring their disadvantage.
However, most of the essays in here contextualize these designers within their male-dominated profession. The point of these women being pioneers in male-dominated professions of architecture and design was highlighted in most of the essays. Okay, got it. But the issue I take is when Sellers talks about those female designers who had male partners. The narrative seemed to hover over how the woman was overshadowed by her male counterpart. Okay, got it. But why couldn't Sellers concentrate on the actual work instead of the misplaced accolades? This was an opportunity to correct the narrative, to break these women out from their subordinate role as collaborator and celebrate them for their individual contributions to their professions.
This common narrative of the woman being overlooked is tired. Yes, it happened, but it's time to take back control of the narrative to build these women up for the incredible contributors they are/were without undermining their work by belaboring their disadvantage.
June 6, 2018
#WomenDesign #NetGalley #June7th
This is a good reference book about famous female designers and architect since the last century including Neri Oxman.
This is a good reference book about famous female designers and architect since the last century including Neri Oxman.
June 15, 2018
Highlighting the role of women in everyday design is the purpose of this book. It is full of wonderful photographs and illustrations which portray the significant contribution made by women. A wonderful coffee table book.
June 27, 2018
You will love this book that showcases famous women in the design world and highlights on their work. You will love reading this book to get a little more info on the famous women of design.
August 20, 2018
Rather interesting book on the women who have achieved great and beautiful thing in the art and design world. Some of the names come to mind easily, some not so, to someone who does not follow that field. I found their work and achievement outstanding and there stories of their journeys intriguing.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews