Material Tales Claimed

Materials Tales takes visitors on a poetic journey through the world of materials, encouraging greater knowledge and care for our material world through a unique storytelling experience.

As we face the realities of the Earth’s limited resources, designers and users alike are seeking greater clarity around how objects are made, and at what material cost. What materials go into the objects that define our day to day lives? And how might we learn to make better use of these materials in future?

Material Tales is a uniquely poetic exploration of the world of materials, taking visitors on a journey through the origins, uses, and evolution of matter. From their microscopic structure through to the global impact of their use and exploitation, materials are revealed in all of their complexities as they share the incredible stories of their emotional, technical and political lives.

Featuring highlights from the Design Museum Collection, as well as works by leading contemporary designers and a wealth of contextual material, Material Tales aims to provide greater material literacy for visitors of all ages. The exhibition is paired with a full educational pack including lesson plans, a family activity trail and a newly commissioned one-day workshop by materials expert Seetal Solanki.