Why What How: Collecting Design in a Contemporary Market

A bricolage of theoretical, contextual and practical guidance for collectors of and enthusiasts for both historical and contemporary design. This book identifies the nuances separating the accumulated, everyday object from the collected, connoisseurial object, while highlighting some of the ambiguities that conflate the two. It charts key moments in design history from the last 150 years and highlights important preoccupations shaping contemporary practice. It does not, however, seek to crystal-ball gaze or predict market trends. Instead this publication reviews what has come before, what is happening now and who are the finest practitioners. Featuring over 70 contemporary designers, including Ron Arad, Maarten Baas, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Martino Gamper, Stuart Haygarth, Joris Laarman, Julia Lohmann, Studio Makkink and Bey, Marc Newson, Rolf Sachs and Kram/Weisshaar.