City’s design heritage celebrated at new exhibition
Five Bristol businesses are being put under the spotlight as part of a new exhibition celebrating the city’s pioneering design heritage.
The Stradling Collection, a unique collection of 20th and 21st century applied art, is showcasing some of their innovative and ground-breaking work to mark Bristol’s 650th year as a city and county.
The exhibition features the iconic designs of Aardman Animations, Amalgam, Kinneir Dufort, Limbs & Things and Xylotek.
Opening at The Stradling Collection on Park Row on 9th September, Design Icons: Made in Bristol illustrates how creative companies are building on Bristol’s rich history of design innovation, helping it flourish in the modern era.
Bristol’s role as ground for design dates back hundreds of years – from its innovative 18th century porcelain, through Brunel’s integrated transport plan of the 19th century and Crofton Gane’s furniture in the 20th century.
Now the five businesses highlighted by the exhibition are taking Bristol design to new audiences.
Aardman is the world famous, four times Academy Award-winning animation studio, creators of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run and Morph.
Amalgam is recognised worldwide as makers of the finest hand-made large-scale automotive models. Their work is unique in its attention to detail, with a focus on creating models that truly capture the style and spirit of each car.
Kinneir Dufort is a user-centred design and product development consultancy. With over 45 years’ experience, it discovers designs and develops innovative solutions for global medical, consumer and industrial clients.
Limbs & Things makes medical task trainers and simulators. Since 1990, its products have been enabling healthcare practitioners worldwide to become more competent and confident professionals, leading to better patient outcomes.
Xylotek specialises in the design and delivery of advanced timber structures. Working with architects, engineers and directly with clients, they connect digital design and fabrication techniques with capability in practical delivery, driven by a passionate understanding of the complexities of wood.
The Stradling Collection contains more than 2,000 items ranging from ceramic and glass to furniture, toys and decorative objects.
It is the private collection of Ken Stradling MBE, who died last year aged 100 and was best known as the buyer for The Bristol Guild of Applied Art (The Guild) on Park Street from the 1940s onwards.
The exhibition runs from 9 September to 5 November and is supported by Peter Lord of Aardman Animations. For more details visit https://stradlingcollection.org
