Century of the Child

The exhibition borrows its title from the groundbreaking book by the Småland writer Ellen Key, first published in the year 1900. Key’s ideas on the importance of encouraging children’s creativity, education and rights pervade the exhibition.

Throughout the 20th century, Nordic designers, architects and artists have contributed to strengthening the intellectual, emotional and physical development of children. In order for the exhibition to give a broad insight into the material and social world of children, expected elements such as toys, clothes and furniture are shown together with school architecture, books, textiles, museum projects, collective housing, advertising campaigns, illustrations, charity initiatives, etc.

There are several reoccurring themes in the exhibition: a strong connection with nature, principles of practicality and economy, egalitarian and inclusive values, emphasis on free play, empathy for children’s viewpoints, sustainability efforts, and an increasingly global involvement.

Central for the exhibition is how children get involved in the creative process. One of the most progressive Nordic architecture firms, Helen & Hard of Norway, has together with local school children created a new site-specific play environment in the Vandalorum courtyard. An extensive collaboration has also taken place with the Child Culture Design MA program at the School of Design and Crafts at the University of Gothenburg. The students have developed workshops, an exhibition and an “explorer box”, available to all visiting children.

Exhibition Curators: Aidan O’Connor & Elna Svenle

Century of the Child is a collaboration with Designmuseum Danmark and Design Museum, Helsinki. The exhibition is inspired by Century of the Child: Growing by Design, 1900—2000, an exhibition organized by The Museum of Modern Art, New York, in 2012.

Thanks to: Regeringskansliet/Kulturbryggan, Nordisk Kulturfond, Kungl. Akademien för de fria konsterna/Hjalmar Wicanders fond, Länsförsäkringar Jönköping, Letterstedtska föreningen, Stiftelsen Clara Lachmanns fond, Helge Ax:son Johnsons stiftelse, Estrid Ericsons stiftelse

^{Photo: John Nelander & Cecilia Wester}