YOU'RE INVITED. Cult Design Icons exhibition at Cult Sydney
This month, Cult celebrates 25 years as the home of authentic and iconic design with a brand-new exhibition titled Cult Design Icons. On show from 17 February - 01 March 2023 at a gallery space adjoining the Cult Flagship Showroom in Sydney’s Chippendale, this group exhibition showcases 25 design icons curated by 25 leading Australian creatives who have played a significant role in Cult’s 25-year journey.
Continue reading for exhibition details!
Visit the Cult Design Icons exhibition.
On show from 17 February - 01 March 2023, the Cult Design Icons exhibition showcases 25 of the world’s most recognisable furniture and lighting designs by Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Le Corbusier, Verner Panton, Achille Castiglioni and more. Showcasing expert craftsmanship and innovative ideas, this exhibition explores the makers, ideologies and social contexts that have shaped the design landscape over the last century.
Each icon is presented alongside personal anecdotes from the curators who have selected them; some who have loaned designs from their private collections for the exhibition. Curators include influential designers and architects, design editors, leading stylists, fashion designers and other prominent leaders from the Australian design industry.
An overview of the Cult Design Icons exhibition curators.
L-R: Claire Delmar, Dana Tomic Hughes (Yellowtrace), Anna-Carin McNamara, Adam Haddow (SJB), Adam Goodrum, Amy Turnbull (Kvadrat Maharam), Angela Ferguson (Futurespace), Karen McCartney & David Harrison, Eva Dijkstra & Michael Lugmayr (Design by Toko), Gavin Harris (Futurespace), Neil Hugh Kenna (NHO Agency), Ian Moore (Ian Moore Architects), Joseph Gardner (Vogue Living), Kerry Phelan (KPDO), Lee Mathews, Aidan Anderson (The Local Project), Aleesha Callahan (Habitus), Miffy Coady (Est Living), Alexandra Donohoe Church (Decus), Juliette Arent (Arent&Pyke), Sarah-Jane Pyke (Arent&Pyke), Meryl Hare (Hare + Klein), Lucy Feagins (The Design Files), Stephen Todd (AFR), William Smart (Smart Design Studio), Megan Morton, Anne-Maree Sargeant (Authentic Design Alliance) and Kirsten Stanisich (Richards Stanisich).
A preview of some of the design icons selected by the curators for the exhibition including the Vipp Bin (1939) by Holger Nielsen, PP Mobler PP130 Circle Chair (1986) by Hans J. Wegner, HAY Result Chair (1958) by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld for Ahrend and Fredericia Spanish Chair (1958) by Børge Mogensen.
Where.
The Cult Design Icons exhibition is on show at a gallery space adjoining the Cult Flagship Showroom at 21-23 Levey Street, Chippendale, Sydney 2008.
When.
On show from Friday 17 February until Wednesday 01 March, 2023.
> Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm
> Saturdays,10am - 4pm
> Closed on Sundays
BOOK NOW. Guided Exhibition Tours
Cult will host three exclusive guided sessions with Founder and CEO, Richard Munao, giving visitors the opportunity to discuss the importance of, and influences behind, original design.
Richard will walk visitors through the surprising and important stories behind each icon, with personal anecdotes from his 25-year design career visiting the workshops where these icons are hand-crafted and meeting the families of the original designers who work hard to advocate for authenticity.
Guided tours last for approximately 30 minutes and are bookable via Eventbrite. They will take place on the following dates:
> Saturday 18 February, 11-11.30am
> Thursday 23 February, 12-12.30pm
> Tuesday 28 February, 12-12.30pm
Discover our team's favourite design icons.
The Cult team is proud to advocate for authentic design and passionate about sharing the surprising stories behind the world’s most recognisable design icons and the legendary designers behind them.
In conjunction with the Cult Design Icons exhibition, we invited our knowledgeable team to select their favourite icon from the Cult collection, which are
presented in the Cult Sydney showroom windows for visitors to browse before they enter the exhibition.
Celebrating 25 years as the home of authentic design icons.
For 25 years, Cult has championed authenticity and established its position as the home of design icons and go-to destination for authentic 20th-century furniture and lighting.
“At Cult we are proud to advocate for authentic design and the value of investing in original design icons. We are passionate about sharing the surprising stories behind the world’s most recognisable design icons and the legendary designers behind them,” shares Richard Munao, Cult Founder and CEO.
The Cult Design Flagship Showroom in Sydney's Chippendale opened its doors 25 years ago.
Richard continues, “People often ask me: Why buy original? Why are design icons so expensive? One of our core values is to buy once, buy well. We believe in longevity and investing in design that will stand the test of time, both in craftsmanship and aesthetics. The icons are timeless and transcend all kinds of interiors; they aren’t about a trend or particular style. Royalties go to the families of the designers, and the craftsmanship, materials and quality-control is the best in the world. I would like to see more people investing in designs for life. If it’s not in your budget, don’t buy a replica. Support original Australian design instead and allow more products to find their way to design-icon status.”
