Interesting show explores Work and Play Behind the Iron Curtain

Date
4 July 2014

The interplay between design and the cultures they both respond to and help shape is not always easy to decipher. An interesting exhibition currently on show in London examines 20th Century Soviet Russia through the objects which defined it on a very human level – the toys and appliances, vehicles and sports equipment. There are products that became iconic such as the Chaika vacuum cleaner and others that may never have been feted before.

“The exhibition examines daily life in the new builds through the resulting boom in Soviet design, which saw the development of many beloved staple items of the Eastern Bloc,” the gallery says, to “reveal a lesser-known side of Soviet society: consumerism and popular culture.”

Work and Play Behind the Iron Curtain at GRAD: Gallery for Russian Arts and Design runs until 24 August.

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It’s Time For A GRand Housewarming" poster (Courtesy GRAD and Moscow Design Museum and AMOZIL) Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon

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Lightning Clock (Courtesy GRAD and Moscow Design Museum)

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Saturnas Vacuum Cleaner (Courtesy GRAD and Moscow Design Museum)

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Vyatka Scooter (Courtesy GRAD and Moscow Design Museum)

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Alyonka Chocolate Wrappers (Courtesy GRAD and Moscow Design Museum and AMOZIL) Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon

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Toy Electronics Kit (Courtesy GRAD and Moscow Design Museum)

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Nevalyashka Doll (Courtesy GRAD and Moscow Design Museum and AMOZIL) Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon

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Coffee Maker (Courtesy GRAD and Moscow Design Museum)

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About the Author

Rob Alderson

Rob joined It’s Nice That as Online Editor in July 2011 before becoming Editor-in-Chief and working across all editorial projects including itsnicethat.com, Printed Pages, Here and Nicer Tuesdays. Rob left It’s Nice That in June 2015.

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