Mid-Century, More Than @midcenturymodern Channel on Telegram

Mid-Century, More Than

Mid-Century, More Than
Русско-английский канал о модернизме середины XX века в архитектуре и дизайне.

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This is a bilingual channel about mid-century architecture and design.

✉️@Midmod_bot

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Last Updated 05.03.2025 20:02

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Mid-Century Modern: A Timeless Design Movement

Mid-Century Modern is a design movement that flourished in the mid-20th century, roughly from the 1930s to the 1960s. Originating in the United States and spreading globally, the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic is characterized by its emphasis on clean lines, organic forms, and a harmonious relationship with nature. Influenced by the Bauhaus and International styles, this movement found its voice in architecture, furniture, and graphic design, making it one of the most recognizable and beloved design styles to date. The ethos of Mid-Century Modernism lies in simplicity, functionality, and an appreciation for natural materials. Key figures like architects Richard Neutra, Charles and Ray Eames, and Mies van der Rohe pioneered designs that celebrated open spaces and minimalism. The movement also coincided with a post-war economic boom, leading to a suburban housing explosion that embraced this new architectural philosophy. As we explore this iconic era, we will delve into its historical roots, significant contributions to design, and how its influences endure in contemporary architecture and lifestyle today.

What are the defining characteristics of Mid-Century Modern design?

Mid-Century Modern design is known for its emphasis on clean lines and simple forms. Unlike its predecessors, which often featured ornate designs, this style focuses on functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. This movement also embraced the concept of 'bringing the outdoors in,' promoting large windows and open spaces that create a seamless transition from inside to outside.

Additionally, the use of natural materials such as wood and stone is a hallmark of Mid-Century Modern design. These materials not only serve practical purposes but also enhance the visual warmth and comfort of spaces. Bright colors are often used in accents or furniture, providing a contrast to the understated, neutral tones of walls and floors.

Who were the key figures in the Mid-Century Modern movement?

Some of the most notable figures in the Mid-Century Modern movement include architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, who is often credited as a precursor to the movement with his 'organic architecture' philosophy. Other influential architects include Richard Neutra, known for his sleek homes that harmonized with nature, and Eero Saarinen, famed for his innovative structures like the TWA Flight Center.

In the realm of furniture design, Charles and Ray Eames made significant contributions with their iconic chairs and modular furniture that emphasized comfort and functionality. Similarly, George Nelson and Harry Bertoia created timeless pieces that are still celebrated in design circles today.

How did the socio-economic context influence Mid-Century Modern architecture?

The socio-economic landscape of the mid-20th century played a pivotal role in the emergence of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Following World War II, there was a significant demand for affordable housing as returning soldiers sought to settle down and start families. This led to the development of suburbs and a preference for functional, streamlined homes that could be built quickly and efficiently.

Furthermore, advances in materials and construction techniques allowed architects to explore new forms and designs. The popularity of automobiles also changed how people interacted with their environment, leading to homes designed with a focus on accessibility and open spaces rather than the more traditional compartmentalized floor plans.

What is the legacy of Mid-Century Modern design today?

The legacy of Mid-Century Modern design is evident in contemporary architecture and interior design. Its principles of simplicity, functionality, and a strong connection to nature continue to resonate with modern designers and homeowners alike. Many aspects of this aesthetic have been revived, appreciated for their timeless appeal and practicality.

Moreover, Mid-Century Modern furnishings have become highly collectible, with original pieces fetching significant prices at auctions and in antique shops. Additionally, the resurgence of interest in vintage and retro styles in recent years has further solidified the movement's enduring popularity in both residential and commercial spaces.

How can one incorporate Mid-Century Modern elements into their home?

Incorporating Mid-Century Modern elements into a home can be achieved through the use of iconic furniture pieces, such as Eames chairs or teak tables that epitomize the style. Choosing a color palette with muted earth tones accented by bold splashes of color can also evoke the Mid-Century vibe. Accessories like geometric patterns in textiles or artwork can help to finish the look.

Additionally, the layout of a space can reflect Mid-Century principles by emphasizing open floor plans that promote flow and accessibility. Large windows or glass doors can enhance natural light, creating a bright, airy environment that embraces the outdoor landscape, a key aspect of this design philosophy.

Mid-Century, More Than Telegram Channel

Добро пожаловать в канал "Mid-Century, More Than"! Здесь вы найдете увлекательную информацию об истории и влиянии модернизма середины прошлого века в архитектуре и дизайне. Этот русско-английский канал посвящен изучению того, как эстетика и технологии этого периода сформировали современное понимание стиля и функциональности. Благодаря ему вы погрузитесь в уникальный мир культуры и искусства, оцените инновационные подходы к созданию предметов обихода и узнаете о вдохновляющих проектах и дизайнерских решениях. Присоединяйтесь к нам сегодня, чтобы расширить свои знания и погрузиться в историю искусства и дизайна! @Midmod_bot

Mid-Century, More Than Latest Posts

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Непростительно долго мы ничего не писали о творческих союзах. Исправляемся и делимся с вами работами одного удивительного дуэта, сформировавшегося на Дулевском фарфоровом заводе. Речь идет о Маргарите Михайловне Шепелевой (Кожиной) (1916-1972), пришедшей на завод в 1947 г. сразу после окончания Московского института прикладного и декоративного искусства, и ее муже, советском скульпторе-керамисте Павле Михайловиче Кожине (1904-1976), в 1938 г. принятом на завод в качестве ведущего скульптора и к моменту появления в штате Маргариты Михайловны создавшем великое множество фарфоровых скульптур. Маргарита Михайловна в прямом смысле приложила руку ко многим декоративным произведениям мужа, облачив их в красочную, детализированную и оживляющую роспись, но сегодня мы обратимся лишь к прикладным работам этой семейной пары.

Оказывается, помимо мелкой пластики, Павел Михайлович оставил после себя значительное количество новаторских по форме посудных изделий, а Маргарита Михайловна дополнила их жизнеутверждающими рисунками. Союз пузатых форм и широких и ярких мазков в этих изделиях 1960-х гг. обнаруживает связь с богатым прошлым Дулевского завода и руководящую роль Петра Леонова, главного художника завода, стремившегося создать новый, национальный фарфор и обещавшего, что «пока мы верны народным традициям, Дулевский фарфор будет молодым и оптимистичным»…

P.S. Дополнительные изображения см. в комментариях к посту.

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It has been unforgivably long since this channel saw content on artistic duos, so we’d like to make it up to you and ourselves with a few designs by an incredible couple that met at Dulyovo Porcelain Factory, Margarita Kozhina (nee Shepeleva; 1916-1972), a Soviet artist who joined the factory in 1947 shortly after graduating from Moscow Institute for Applied Arts, and her husband, Pavel Kozhin (1904-1976), a Soviet ceramicist who was employed by Dulyovo as a chief sculptor in 1938 and, by the time his future spouse arrived, had created countless porcelain sculptures.

Kozhin’s figurines certainly benefitted from his wife’s bright, intricate, and lively décor – so did his functional pieces which, albeit much less numerous and lesser-known, are just as striking courtesy of their original forms and buoyant colors. Balancing between tradition and modernity, these rounded designs decorated by Shepeleva with her confident daubs of radiant colors are inseparable from the factory’s legacy and showcase the artistic leadership of Pyotr Leonov who was an ardent proponent of a new kind of ceramics, one with a national identity, claiming that “while we remain faithful to our folk beginnings, Dulyovo’s porcelain will be young and uplifting.”

P.S. For more images, check out the comments down below.

(photos: goskatalog.ru, auction-rusenamel.ru, dzen.ruuser curator_ivan, dfz.ru)

05 Mar, 19:12
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…В 1931 г. Дикманн, для которого начались тяжелые времена в связи с приходом к власти нацистов, не одобрявших его баухаусовское прошлое, основал собственную студию, которая приносила являвшуюся источником скудных средств к существованию, а также в соавторстве со своей женой Катариной опубликовал книгу «Изготовление мебели из древесины, металла и стальных труб». Труд Дикманнов интересен не только теоретическими выкладками: логика и жизнеспособность формообразования предлагаемых Дикманном изделий были проиллюстрированы его собственными эскизами и фотографиями готовой мебели, среди которой можно найти и упомянутое выше кресло.

В 1944 г. Дикманна не стало, а его творчество сейчас становится предметом активного изучения, и мы тоже не останемся в стороне от этого процесса.

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…1931 saw Dieckmann, who had been ostracized from many professional organizations because of his Bauhaus past in a Nazi-run country, found his own studio to provide meagre funds for his family and even publish a book he co-authored with his wife Katharina. Titled “The Use of Wood, Tubes, and Metal in Furniture-Making”, his seminal work was extremely valuable and influential not only because of the theories it expounded, but since the logic and relevance of Dieckmann’s designs were illustrated with his own sketches and actual products that included the aforementioned lounger.

P.S. Dieckmann passed away in 1944 and his extensive oeuvre is only now enjoying the attention it truly deserves. We’ll do our best to shed light on some of his designs, too.

(photos here and above: GRASSI Museum für Angewandte Kunst, Leipzig, Christoph Sandig, Galerie Fiedler, deeds.news, modernism101.com, chairblog.eu, quittenbaum.de, modern-xx.com, smow.com, design-is-fine.org, imjustcreative.com, sonneveldhouse.com)

04 Mar, 19:09
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На фотографиях, опубликованных Катей Улитиной по следам ее визита в роттердамский дом Сонневельда, в компании со стальной мебелью Виллема Хендрика Гиспена в замечено кресло за авторством немецкого дизайнера Эриха Дикманна, который был незаслуженно забыт и не удостоен ни полсловом в прекрасном обзоре истории Баухауса, написанном Фрэнком Уитфордом. Хоть Дикманн, учившийся в Баухаусе в 1921-1924 гг., а после досрочно сдавший экзамены по столярному делу и преподававший эту дисциплину веймарским студентам, известен прежде всего предметами мебели из древесины, в его репертуаре было значительное количество из других материалов, в том числе стальных трубок, которые он гнул под впечатлением от работ своего коллеги Марселя Брейера, но отличным от последнего образом.

К слову, Брейер, в 1926 г. передавший Дикманну руководство факультетом деревообработки, по достоинству оценивал работу своего преемника на поприще проектирования предметов быта: «Его мебель отличается известной легкостью и ненавязчивостью, она словно начерчена в пространстве и не мешает ни движению, ни обзору»…

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If you’ve read Katya’s account of her visit to the Sonneveld house in Rotterdam, you may have noticed a lounger amidst other tubular steel furniture designed by the Dutch Willem Gispen. This lounger is a product of an influential German designer by the name of Erich Dieckmann who was active in the 1920-1940s and has then fallen into oblivion without so much as a tiniest mention in Frank Withford’s comprehensive history of Bauhaus. A student of Bauhaus in 1921-1924, Dieckmann completed his apprenticeship as a carpenter ahead of the curriculum to begin teaching woodworking to Bauhaus students and was so fascinated by wood that it’s difficult to come to terms with his equally stunning tubular steel endeavors. His interest in bent steel furnishings was obviously inspired by one of his much better known colleagues, Marcel Breuer, but manifested itself in highly original twists and turns.

Interestingly, Breuer, whom Dieckmann replaced as head of the woodworking department at Bauhaus in 1926, paid due respects to the German designer’s vision and talent as a furniture-maker in subsequent years. Here’s what he wrote on Dieckmann’s furnishings in 1928, “They are rather light, open, as if sketched into the room; they do not hinder either movement or the view across the room."…

04 Mar, 19:09
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Пока мы изучали сингапурский модернизм, дружно соседствующий с хай-тек-небоскребами, из Москвы поступила новость о готовящемся сносе высотки Совета экономической взаимопомощи. В свое время эта «чековая книжка» стран соцлагеря, спроектированная Михаилом Посохиным, Ашотом Миндоянцем и Владимиром Свирским, была примером удачного архитектурного решения, в 1970 г. гармонично дополнившего московскую городскую среду и ставшего в определенном смысле архитектурно-идеологическим ответом на штаб-квартиру ООН в Нью-Йорке. Оснащенная по последнему слову техники и построенная благодаря коллективному вкладу стран-участниц (румыны поставили отделочный камень, немцы проложили в здании электросети, венгры произвели для него мебель, чехи привезли и установили лифты и пр.), эта высотка была не только первоклассным образцом «Интернационального стиля», но и воплощением новой экономической дипломатии.
 
Тем не менее, как справедливо пишет Настя Ромашкевич, здание СЭВ было отмечено первородным грехом, присущим множеству модернистских построек в нашей стране и за рубежом: построенное на месте Новинского Введенского Богородицкого монастыря, оно вступало в конфликт со старой Москвой, которая активно замещалась постройками, обращенными в будущее, и теперь кармически расплачивается за грехи создателей. Нам в этой конфронтации последних десятилетий было все время неясно только одно: разве не должны обвинения в «моральной устарелости» подобных зданий, заимствованные у модернистов, подразумевать эволюцию морали? А если должны, то почему же методы столетней давности не считаются морально устаревшими и активно применяются на новом историческом витке?
 
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While we were exploring Singaporean modernism, which remains at ease amidst rapidly changing high-tech surroundings, Moscow’s headquarters of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON) were sentenced to demolition. Built as an organic addition to Moscow cityscape back in 1970 to the designs of Mikhail Posokhin, Ashot Mindoyants, and Vladimir Svirsky, this “ledger-like” skyscraper housed the Secretariat of COMECON (an economic organization for the Eastern Bloc and a few other socialist countries founded in 1949) and could be perceived as a response to the headquarters of the UN in New York, both architecturally and ideologically. This state-of-the-art building was constructed in a joint effort by several participating countries whereby Romania supplied stone cladding, East Germany electrified the building, Hungary designed and produced furnishings, Czechoslovakia provided elevators, etc. and was thus not only a challenging example of the International Style, but a symbol of a new economic diplomacy.
 
That said, Nastya Romashkevich makes a valid point when she claims the COMECON building was plagued with the original sin of modernist architecture in the Soviet Union and elsewhere. Built on the former site of a 15th-century monastery, COMECON’s Secretariat stood in stark contrast to old Moscow, which was being demolished to make room for architectural modernity, and is thus facing karmic punishment. However, we have been having difficulty coming to terms with modernists’ arguments that something is “morally obsolete”, which are resurfacing again, as they clearly imply that our morality has evolved in the meantime. Yet, what we’re witnessing today is the use of the same century-old methods that have nothing to do with an elevated morality…

(photos: Viktor Gorkin, Alexander Abaza, Valentin Khukhlayev via russiainphoto.ru)

01 Mar, 19:07
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