Opening Hours:
- Wednesdays: 13:00-16:00hrs
- Fridays: 13:00-16:00hrs
- Saturdays: 11:00-16:00hrs
- Sundays: 11:00-16:00hrs
The Stradling Collection: Celebrating Post-War Design in Britain
From July 12
Discover how design helped shape a new national identity in the wake of war. This exhibition explores Britain’s journey of reconstruction, physically, emotionally, and culturally, through the transformative power of design.
In the aftermath of the Second World War, instability and uncertainty were part of daily life. Cities lay in ruins, resources were scarce, and the future felt fragile. Yet, amid these challenges, British designers, architects, and makers responded with resilience and vision.
As urban landscapes shifted and society looked to rebuild, the 1950s became a turning point. Design evolved from a necessity into a bold expression of renewal and hope, reimagining what life could look like in a modern, forward-thinking Britain.
At the heart of this story is the Festival of Britain, held in 1951. Just six years after the war, it stood as a powerful symbol of recovery and possibility. Celebrating innovation in design, architecture, science, and the arts, the Festival offered a nation still healing from conflict a glimpse of a brighter, more optimistic future.
Join us from July 12 to explore how design helped shape a forward-looking national identity. This exhibition tells the story of a country remaking itself, not only physically, but spiritually, through the transformative power of design.
