Exhibition view. Photograph by Yasuyuki Takaki. Courtesy of CONRAN SHOP JAPAN LTD.
DESIGN /
INTERIOR
November 20, 2024
Terence Conran: The Innovator of Design, His 88-Year Journey
CONRAN | The Conran Shop
An exhibition exploring the life of designer Sir Terence Orby Conran through his products and cherished possessions, "Terence Conran: Designing Modern Britain," is on view at the Tokyo Station Gallery until Sunday, January 5, 2025. Over 300 works and documents reveal the trajectory of a creator who spearheaded Britain's post-war design revolution.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi Courtesy of the Conran family, Conran Foundation and Conran IP LTD.
Design from Objects to Society, Centered on "Efficient, Simple, and Functional" Principles
Conran was born in 1931 in Surrey, southwest London. His creative journey began with studies under Eduardo Paolozzi, a pioneer of British Pop Art. The young Conran started his career designing patterns for textiles and tableware. By the 1950s, he already possessed a clear vision of enriching people's lives through design.
In the 1960s, Conran founded the groundbreaking shop "Habitat." It was more than just a retail space; it was an innovative endeavor to propose a new lifestyle. In the 1970s, he launched "The Conran Shop." Its philosophy of offering high-design everyday items at accessible prices had a significant impact on the global design market.
Barton Court, his private residence, photographed in 2004. Photograph by David Garcia / Courtesy of the Conran family
Conran's study at Barton Court, photographed in 2004. Photograph by David Garcia / Courtesy of the Conran family
At the heart of Conran's creativity was Barton Court, a red-brick manor built in the late 18th century. This was not merely a home but also a testing ground for Conran's ideals. The furniture workshop "Benchmark" within the estate became a production base for original furniture, eventually growing into one of Europe's leading workshops. It served as the stage for Conran's multifaceted creative activities, including gardening in his kitchen garden and developing restaurant recipes.
Dinner plate "Checkers" with Conran's pattern design, 1957. Courtesy of the Conran family
The Conran Shop paper bag, 1980s. Collection of the Design Museum / Terence Conran Archive. Courtesy of the Design Museum / Courtesy of the Conran family
From the 1980s to the 1990s, Conran was also actively involved in Japan. In 1994, he opened The Conran Shop in Japan. In 2003, he undertook the interior design for the Roppongi Hills Residence, significantly influencing Japan's design culture.
Model of furniture designed by Conran. Collection of The Conran Shop (UK). Courtesy of the Conran family
Travel case "Travel the World" designed by Conran (made by Globe-Trotter), 2019. Private collection. Courtesy of the Conran family
Conran's book "The House Book" (published by Mitchell Beazley), 1974. Courtesy of the Conran family
Conran's belief that "Plain, Simple, Useful" design enhances quality of life transcended mere design philosophy to become a force for social change. He operated with a broad perspective, from individual living spaces to urban planning. In 1989, he was knighted, recognizing his significant contributions.
Exhibition view. Photograph by Yasuyuki Takaki. Courtesy of CONRAN SHOP JAPAN LTD.
Exhibition view. Photograph by Yasuyuki Takaki. Courtesy of CONRAN SHOP JAPAN LTD.
Exhibition view. Photograph by Yasuyuki Takaki. Courtesy of CONRAN SHOP JAPAN LTD.
Exhibition view. Photograph by Yasuyuki Takaki. Courtesy of CONRAN SHOP JAPAN LTD.
The exhibition is structured into eight sections, covering Conran's early works as a designer, the development of businesses like "Habitat" and "The Conran Shop," his ventures in food and restaurants, architectural and interior projects, the manufacturing enterprise Benchmark, his creative base Barton Court, and his projects in Japan. Particularly noteworthy are his seminal 1974 work "The House Book," which sold over 2.5 million copies, and numerous documents showcasing his vision for the future of design. This exhibition reveals the full scope of Conran's diverse activities, which continued to evolve with the times.
Exhibition view. Photograph by Yasuyuki Takaki. Courtesy of CONRAN SHOP JAPAN LTD.
Exhibition view. Photograph by Yasuyuki Takaki. Courtesy of CONRAN SHOP JAPAN LTD.
Exhibition view. Photograph by Yasuyuki Takaki. Courtesy of CONRAN SHOP JAPAN LTD.
Until his passing at the age of 88 in 2020, Conran continuously pursued the idea that "design enriches life." This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to experience his spirit and creative journey through more than 300 works and documents.
Terence Conran: Designing Modern Britain Exhibition Dates | Saturday, October 12, 2024 – Sunday, January 5, 2025 Closed | Mondays (except December 23), December 29 (Sun) – January 1 (Wed) Opening Hours | 10:00 – 18:00 (Fridays until 20:00) *Last admission 30 minutes before closing Admission Fee | General ¥1500, High School/University Students ¥1300, Junior High School Students and younger free Venue | Tokyo Station Gallery 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
