Curator – Viktoria Krouchinina.

 

From February, 28 till March, 7, XXVIII Russian Antique Salon presents a special project “1960s. Concise Encyclopedia of Style”.

 

In 2010 interior and art items of 1960s will turn 50 years old. Thus, according to Russian laws, they will acquire “antique” status. Initiating this project, the organizers intend to widen and enrich the boarders of collecting, attracting attention to the most remarkable interior style of the second half of 20 century.

1960s. Having finally got over the war and reconstruction pathos of post-war decade Europe enters new period of its history. It was the epoch of consolidation and triumph of democratic ideas that, after all, defined absolutely new trends in fashion and interior.

New style got possession over the whole world, and the USSR was no exception. In our history 1960s is the time of large-scale housing construction and design boom. No matter how ironic one could be about “khrushchevka”-apartments, in the end their structure go back to Le Corbusier’s principles of functionality and minimalism. By the way, Nikita Khrushchev was ardent admirer of this architect.

Overall dimensions of living areas in new buildings were changed considerably – the ceilings became lower and the corridors were cancelled; kitchens, bathrooms and lavatories were miniaturized to the size of functional cubicles. The equipment also changed – hinged doors were replaced by sliding doors (for place economy), there appeared furniture combinations and transformers (sideboard-escritoire, folding divans, chair-beds etc.). Small coffee tables were replaced by dinner tables, lamp-shades and cut-glass chandeliers were replaced by efficient glass lamps of new models (standard lamps and lamp-brackets), aimed for functional “zonal” lighting.

Color palette was also simplified. “Three colors, three textures” – this design motto of 1960 enabled to create memorable things, best understood by everyone. New aesthetic in furniture and accessories demanded new materials: plastic, glass, chrome and steel were the best materials for unusual, light, stylish things.

The style of 1960s is simple, functional and handy. Be it a piece of furniture or a vase or a car, it is always recognizable. Being a new approach to interior decoration and habitation, the style of 1960s determined the character of the whole epoch – just like the grand styles of the centuries passed. It is time for 60s to join this respectful community.

 

Organizer of the special project – “Art Moscow” Foundation.