The postwar celebration of progress in science and technology for the betterment of mankind sparked the use of scientific symbols in the decorative arts. Typical examples are often referred to as atomic style. All over Europe artists collectively felt the need for preoccupation with the future and contributed to this atomic style. A major driving force and consolidator for the atomic style was the Festival of Britain in 1951. Two years before this event a group of designers were asked to work out abstract decorative paterns based on the basic paterns of nature like atoms and crystal structures. This resulted in atomic style ceramics, lighting, wallpapers, textiles, furniture, linolium and general graphics. Artists and designers from all over the world instinctively went for organic or atomic patterns in their work. The most memorable atomic style symbol of the decade was without any doubt the Atomium, built as centrepiece for the World Expo 58 in Brussels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN 1951. EDWARD MILLER'S ABACUS SCREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BERLINER HANSAPLATZ SCULPTURE BY HANS UHLMANN 1958

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALL CLOCK BY GEORGE NELSON FOR HERMAN MILLER 1947

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HANGING LAMP (UNKNOWN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BARKCLOTH TEXTILE (UNKNOWN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CIGARETTE AND MATCHES DISPENSER PLUS ASHTRAY. MADE TO COMMEMORATE THE FIRST RUSIAN SATELLITE LAUNCH IN 1957

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATOMIC TOY (UNKNOWN)