“Masterpieces of Furniture Design” exhibition opens at M7

The Masterpieces of Furniture Design, an exhibition by Qatar Museums (QM) and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany, showcasing one of the world’s most renowned collections of furniture, has been unveiled by M7.
Curated by the Vitra Design Museum director, Dr Mateo Kries, the exhibition explores the evolution of what modern furniture has achieved over the past 200 years.
Featuring more than 50 iconic objects from the museum’s renowned collection, the exhibition explores the various themes that have played a role in the creation of some of history’s most iconic furniture pieces.
Masterpieces of Furniture Design showcases work from the most influential names in modern design such as Le Corbusier, Charles and Ray Eames, Zaha Hadid, and Virgil Abloh, and explores a number of styles and artistic concepts ranging from Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, and Postmodernism, as well as the influence of the digital era on furniture.
Some original pieces featured in the exhibition include the iconic Panton Chair by Verner Panton, Eileen Gray’s E 1027 Side Table, Mesa table designed by Zaha Hadid and Patrick Schumacher, and MR 10/2 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
The exhibits are grouped according to seven principles that can define excellence in design – from design’s close ties to art to its potential at reaching socially or ecologically sustainable solutions.
The seven principles are: Innovating Crafts and Technologies, Designing Sustainability, Learning from Nature, Comfort Zones, The Social Question, Less is More, and Dialogues between Art and Design.
Complementing Masterpieces of Furniture Design, the exhibition’s presenting sponsor Al Mana Maples will also open two satellite exhibitions later in the year at Doha Design District, The Miniatures Exhibition which displays one hundred 1:6 miniature replicas of 100 Classical Seats, and The Original Comes from Vitra roadshow, which is part of a global project on Vitra’s bestselling products.
Accompanying Masterpieces of Furniture Design exhibition, M7 is showcasing a small-scale pop-up titled Crafting Spaces, displaying ten bespoke pieces of furniture made by seven Qatar-based designers. The exhibition captures the creative energy that propels Doha’s thriving design community, and the emerging and established designers involved have skilfully crafted furniture pieces that marry function and aesthetics with matter and connection. The items on display are all connected to a larger narrative and personal storytelling, taking inspiration from the heritage, cultural and geographical backdrop that have influenced their designs.
M7 will deliver a vibrant schedule of public programmes designed for both adults and children. The diverse offering for adults includes: A curatorial talk with Dr Mateo Kries – the curator of the exhibition and director of the Vitra Design Museum, an interactive Home Styling Workshop, an educational workshop called How to Spot an Original, a discussion with local furniture designers, and a networking event – Memphis Design Back to the 80s.
Additionally, a younger audience can look forward to two lively arts and crafts workshops – Vitra Playhouse and 100% cardboard. These public programmes will run from September until December.
M7’s yearly Zwara programme will begin in tandem with Masterpieces of Furniture Design. Designers are encouraged to engage with a design prompt, crafting a prototype furniture piece inspired by the exhibition. The programme involves a tour, and a period dedicated to design and production, as well as a week-long residency and skills development programme. The programme culminates with a pop-up exhibition at M7, which will showcase the finished designs.
Masterpieces of Furniture Design officially will open to the public on September 8, and run until December 9.