All-female design exhibition takes over Erno Goldfinger’s iconic 2 Willow Road

The Modernist home is a backdrop for dialogue across the decades

An exhibition celebrating women’s contributions to art and design has taken up residence at Ernö Goldfinger’s 2 Willow Road – joining an already impressive collection amassed by the architect and his wife.

Curated by Studio Frith founder Frith Kerr, Ahead of the Curve invites leading female practitioners to create pieces that respond to an artwork in the Goldfingers’ collection.

Designer Ilse Crawford has crafted a bench that brings people together, in response to Bridget Riley’s work, while fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic has created a fringed dress inspired by the ‘quiet sounds’ of the Hampstead house, once inhabited by Ursula Goldfinger.

Dress by Roksanda Ilincic
Dress by Roksanda Ilincic

Elsewhere Prunella Clough’s abstract painting ‘Industrial View’ has been wreathed in a smoky fragrance by perfumer Lyn Harris, designed to evoke the buildings of the artwork as well as remind visitors of the scent of Goldfinger’s cigar. And ice cream confectioner Kitty Travers is also evoking the senses with a pea, parsley and gooseberry ice cream cake, embodying photographer Lee Miller’s photos of her Sussex garden.

Lyn Harris, Perfumer H, 'Smoke'
Lyn Harris, Perfumer H, ‘Smoke’

The exhibition is part of celebrations around the centenary year of women winning the vote, organised by the National Trust – which opened Goldfinger’s Modernist home to the public in 1996.

Goldfinger designed 2 Willow Road – which is one of three concrete terraced homes – for his family in 1939. It’s among the earliest Modernist buildings acquired by the charity and the London property contains the Goldfingers’ collection of art created by friends including Max Ernst, Lee Miller and Bridget Riley, as well as furniture by the controversial architect.

Frith Kerr, 'Good Night Rita' duvet cover, 2018
Frith Kerr, ‘Good Night Rita’ duvet cover, 2018

Ahead of the Curve runs until 2 November 2018.

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