Power of Making

The V&A and Crafts Council celebrated the role of making in our lives by presenting Power of Making curated by Daniel Charny, an eclectic selection of over 100 exquisitely crafted objects, ranging from a life-size crochet bear to a ceramic eye patch, a fine metal flute to dry stone walling. The exhibition was a cabinet of curiosities showing works by both amateurs and leading makers from around the world to present a snapshot of making in our time.

Oscar & Ewan were commissioned to direct the ambience, produce the 2D design and the publication for the show. The tone took its cue from the cabinet of curiosities, dark and densely packed, and with the 2D graphic design we aimed to embody the ideas of the pieces themselves by touching upon the spectrum of making. We drew a typeface, POM, with headline and body weights which was used across all design. A bespoke hanging sign hung outside the show which utilised a range of techniques including CNC, laser cutting and spray finishing while referring aesthetically to traditional sign making. A thick laminated green mdf was used for all labelling. See also the Power of Making publication and the typeface, POM.

Power of Making received 320,703 visitors, far exceeding the target of 100,000 visitors. These figures make it the second most popular exhibition at the V&A in the last 10 years.

2D exhibition design
2010-11