Arte e Cultura
The Secret Stars of GDR Design Celebrate Their Comeback in Berlin
While design classics such as the Panton chair and the Eames lounge chair have long been familiar items for those with a passion for design, creations designed in the former GDR in the 1950s and 1960s have hitherto been overshadowed. The new Gallery Central Berlin at Strausberger Platz is now set to change that.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150331/736315 )
The focus of the gallery is on selected GDR classics that used to distinguish the home décor of the time.
Stephan Schilgen was in charge of the transformation of the gallery space at Strausberger Platz 16-18 and for selecting the mid-century design classics. Only recently, the renowned designer has fitted out the gutted Leopoldskron Castle in Salzburg for presentation.
In the new Gallery Central Berlin, Stephan Schilgen unveils not only furniture designs but also a multitude of inspirational pieces, demonstrating just how extraordinary mid-century design in the residential context can look. This is achieved by means of living room constellations in three different rooms, each with their own individual atmosphere. Special historical collector's items lend the design of the rooms an air of uniqueness and authenticity. Alongside selected furniture and lamps originating from the early years of the GDR, mid-century furniture from Great Britain , the former Czechoslovakia, Poland , Russia , France , Italy and the USA is also on display. The gallery is inspired by Karl-Marx-Allee, which stands as a unique example of mid-century architecture in socialist classicism. This particular architecture combines the Soviet gingerbread style with Bauhausian elements and influences from Schinkelism - a mix of styles which is also to be found in Stephan Schilgen's world of interiors.
Most items in the gallery Central Berlin are available for purchase. There is also an associated webshop where one can find GDR design highlights such as the "Selmanagic chair" dating from 1957, and the "Senftenberger Ei", a garden chair named after Senftenberg, its place of manufacture.
Further information is available at: http://www.centralberlin.de/
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Jessica Esser
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