We're fascinated by the surreal photos of "Telling Tales: Fantasy and Fear in Contemporary Design" — an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The exhibition presents recent European furniture and home product designs that are unique or only available in limited editions. Items qualify as both art and design and are grouped into three sections: The Forest Glade, The Enchanted Castle, and Heaven & Hell.
Items in The Forest Glade are fantastical and evoke the fairytale spirit. The Enchanted Castle section exaggerates and parodies historical design styles associated with status. Heaven and Hell shows items that echo concerns of mortality and the afterlife. What do you think of the design pieces?
See more of the exhibition on the Victoria and Alberta Museum website.
Images: Victoria and Alberta Museum website and Design Boom
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I saw "Telling Tales" at the V&A two months ago. It's awesome! Tord Boontje's "Princess" chair inspired me to strip down and make over an old vanity chair instead of trying to sell it.
view Stiletto's profile
I saw this show when I was in London in August. The pieces and the exhibition design were incredible. Well worth a visit to see in person!
view sarahlr's profile
The "Heaven and Hell" section looks very creepy from the V&A website. I love the Robber Baron pieces (Enchanted Castle) and everything Tord Boontje.
view Syllogi's profile
I love this stuff! These are the kinds of things I like to fill my home with. Not your run of the mill, everyday off the shelf fare. I especially enjoyed the "Heaven and Hell" since it is the season for it.
view citygirlincountry's profile
What I want is the sound track for The Forest Glade division at the V&A. That and a vase of twigs would turn a space into a forest!
view Aulaire's profile