VICTORIA, BC — Explore the experimentation, innovation and ingenuity behind 100 culturally significant objects created in Canada in Canadian Modern, on display at the Royal BC Museum from June 28, 2024 through to February 16, 2025. From Clairtone’s Project G stereo to a psychedelic vintage dress, discover how modern design and craft have been integral to the story of a distinctly Canadian style and identity from the early 20th century right up to today.
“Canadian Modern is a testament to the ground-breaking creativity of some of the best Canadian industrial designers and crafters, including those from British Columbia,” says Tracey Drake, CEO, Royal BC Museum. “We are delighted to host this exhibition and to include a number of additional local works, both from the provincial collection and on loan from local designers.”
One of the works featured by loan is the 1951 Springback chair designed by BC architect Peter Cotton, provided by private collector Allan Collier.
“The Springback is a fine example of regional modernism,” says Allan Collier, independent curator, writer, and collector based in Victoria. “Cotton expressed modernist ideas like simplicity, practicality, inventiveness, and honest use of materials by specifying locally available steel fabrication for its frame and regional materials like moulded fir plywood, veneered in teak, for its seat and back.”
Canadian Modern is a ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) original exhibition curated by guest curator Dr. Rachel Gotlieb and Dr. Arlene Gehmacher, L.R. Wilson Curator of Canadian Art & Culture at ROM. This is the first time that the exhibition is being featured outside of Toronto.
“This exhibition highlights the spirit of modernism among Canadian designers and artisans in their pursuit of excellence and professionalism.” says Gotlieb.
"Design and craft often speak to the moment in reflecting or shaping perspectives and needs. Canadian Modern allows us to appreciate historical and current initiatives, and imagine possible new directions." Says Gehmacher.
This atmospheric and illuminating exhibition illustrates the story of industrial design and craft in a local and national context while offering a look at Canada’s unique place in the global modern design and craft movement.
The objects range from fashion, furniture and jewellery to electronics and more — each telling a story and presenting a fresh perspective on new and historic items. The exhibition features well-known designers and makers like Alfred Sung, Jacques Guillon, Kjeld and Erica Deichmann, Robert Larin, and BC’s own John Fluevog.
Canadian Modern is produced and circulated by ROM, Toronto, Canada.
