Event SW03: Lecture: Scandinavian Modern – Behind the Scenes

Popular lecturer James Vaux returns to Chichester, together with IKEA catalogues. Why did 1950’s Scandinavian modern design become so popular, taking the U.S. and Europe by storm and how did it turn from a revolutionary movement into just another style? And was there a dark side to it?

Popular Arts Society lecturer James Vaux returns to Chichester, complete with IKEA catalogues.

Why did 1950’s Scandinavian modern design become so popular, taking the U.S. and Europe by storm, and how did it turn from a revolutionary movement into just another style? And was there a dark side to it? Lurking in the shadows, there was a Nordic project to change consumer taste and shape the model citizen, using scientific experimentation and social engineering. Using IKEA catalogues of the period, see just how resistant consumers were to new, state-sanctioned, clean lines.