Celebrating Robin Day at the V&A
Celebrating the career and centenary of Robin Day, the symposium explored Robin Day's work and life, one of the most significant designers of the 20th century. Renowned for his injection-moulded Polypropylene Chair and his pared-down Festival of Britain aesthetic, Robin Day’s seven-decade career encompassed graphics, exhibition, and interior design as well as furniture.
Contributions and personal perspectives were provided by the following Speakers:
Paula Day, Robin and Lucienne's daughter who established The Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation in 2012.
Corinne Julius, Leading journalist, broadcaster and daughter of Leslie and Rosamind Julius, the entrepreneurs who ran the furniture making company, Hille.
John Simmons, Design Assistant to Robin Day in the 1960-80s.
Amos Marchant, Furniture Technician at Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation.
Christopher Marsden, Senior Archivist at the V&A.
The talk at The Lydia & Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre was chaired by Jo Banham, Head of Adult Learning at the V&A. Those who attended were given the opportunity to study at first-hand, examples of Robin Day's drawings, stunning poster design artwork and correspondence, which is held in the Museum's archive.
Thank you to everyone who attended, especially to the large group of BA Furniture students from Bucks New University and their tutors.
A very special treat for me was to have the opportunity to meet legendary photographer Tony Mann. Tony, (seen below on the left, with Paula Day and John Simmons), was Robin Day's favoured photographer and worked with Robin from the 1940's onwards. He took most of the iconic photos of Robin Day's designs and contributed greatly to the success of Hille's promotional material.
