MODERN DESIGN EXCELLENCE FROM THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM*

*Atom-A originates from Belgium, so we are proud to present our Belgian Modern Design Heritage, and point the road to tourist rediscovery of exciting fifties Design Hotspots in Belgium.

    

Atom-A focuses on the roots of Modern Design and the explosion of mid century Modernism after the second world war.

We highlight furniture and ceramics from mid century designers like Charles Eames, George Nelson, Antonia Campi, Isamu Noguchi, Eero Saarinen, Verner Panton, Arne Jacobson, and visionary companies such as Herman Miller, Knoll and Vitra.

Visit our extensive Atom-a Private Museum of European mid century ceramics.

In the USA furniture companies Herman Miller and Knoll led the way for the new Modernism through their uncompromising innovative design. George Nelson was the inspired Design Director for Herman Miller. George Nelson in turn hired the other two figureheads of American mid century design: Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen. Eero Saarinen also worked for Knoll. Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen came to public attention in 1940 by winning the Museum of Modern Art's Organic Design competition. The other top designers for Knoll were the sculptors Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Isamu Noguchi designed a wide range of products, and Harry Bertoia is widely known for his metal wire Diamond Chair. In Belgium the fifties culminated with the Expo 58 world fair, with the Atomium as centrepiece. The Atomium is actually a huge model of an iron molecule magnified 160 billion times. It was conceived by Andre Waterkeyn, who recently passed away. The Atomium has finally been restored to its former glory !

Feast your eyes on a compilation of Classic Belgian fifties advertising.

Arne Jacobson and Verner Panton are the Danish Lords of Modern Style. Arne Jacobson gave the world masterpieces like the Egg Chair and the Swan Chair. Verner Panton created psychedelic interiors often considered over the top in his time, but now perceived as ultra-contemporary. In 1959 Verner Panton designed the world's first plastic chair moulded in one piece. Verner Panton lighting fixtures have been known to fetch astronomical prices at recent auctions.

NEW...The Atomium plus Expo 58 in Brussels                 Sign-up now for free news and updates.