C.O.I Design For Today Series

Last night I watched a few episodes from the C.O.I Design For Today Series. The series is a collection of retrospective programmes documenting and exploring different aspects of British art and design over the last century. Featuring rare and early footage of key designers from the UK.

The programs were on the  Sky Arts channel (can be found on sky on demand or youtube). The documentaries take a nostalgic look at the pre and post war development of fashion, interior design and architecture from the mid 40s to late 80s.

Designing Women a 1940s' version of Changing Rooms, shows 'Miss Design' and 'Miss Arty' advising two young newlyweds on the dos and don'ts of 1940's home furnishing. A very interesting look at 1940's opinions and tastes.  

This was followed by Designed in Britain, a colourful trip through design from 1959, featuring everything from curtains to domestic appliances, and Brief City, a 1951 look at the ambitious plans for the Festival of Britain. Described as "vulgar" and "a little mad", designs for the Skylon, the Dome of Discovery and the Royal Festival Hall were expected to clutter up the Thames, turning it into a "gigantic toy shop for adults".

Other highlights of the week include a look at Carnaby Street's Lady Jane, a 1981 profile of Sir Terence Conran documenting the growth of Conran, Habitat and Benchmark, and portraits of Mary Quant and Zandra Rhodes. Architect Basil Spence also explains the ideas behind his often-criticised designs for buildings, including the British Embassy in Rome, Coventry Cathedral and Hyde Park Barracks.

My favorite episode so far was the profile on Sir Terence Conran. It showed a very informal look at how the designer worked within his companies. His dedication to his craft and his involvement in almost every aspect of the design process. Conran's design style was forward thinking for its time and some pieces that were first released in the sixties, are still best sellers.