A major exhibition celebrating a century of aquatics - covering sports performance, architecture and fashion - is to be held at London's Design Museum from 28th March to 17th August.
Across three sections that reflect the three locations in which people swim - the pool, the lido (outdoor pool) and in nature - the exhibition, Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style, will dive into design’s role in shaping the British public’s relationship with swimming, both in the water and beside it.
The exhibition’s story will begin in the 1920s, when swimwear began to be marketed for swimming rather than the Victorian’s preference for bathing, and when beach holidays exploded in popularity. It will explore right up to the present day, and swimming’s role in modern life and how it influences and subverts ideas of body autonomy and agency, as well as its link to environmental issues.
It will feature over 200 objects, collectively exploring swimming’s evolution in its social, cultural, technological and environmental contexts, including Pamela Anderson's sensational Baywatch swimsuit, the first Olympic solo swimming gold medal won by a British woman, and a selection of eye-catching men’s Speedos from the 1980s.
Other objects on view will be the banned ‘technical doping’ LZR Racer swimsuit, one of the earliest surviving examples of a bikini, and a detailed architectural model of the Zaha Hadid-designed London 2012 Aquatics Centre.
Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style is guest-curated by Amber Butchart, a dress and design historian and broadcaster known for her history segments on the BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee.
London's Design Museum is sited in the former home of the Commonwealth Institute on Kensington High Street.
Click here for more information.
Image: The Zaha Hadid-designed London 2012 Aquatics Centre. Credit: Shutterstock.
26th November 2024 - Piscine Global 2024 showcases offerings from swimming pool and spa industry
9th August 2024 - Organisers count down to 2024 SPLASH! Trade Expo
22nd February 2024 - SPLASH! Expo set for Gold Coast return
9th November 2022 - Zaha Hadid Architects design chosen for new Hangzhou International Sports Centre
28th June 2017 - The Pool to make a splash at NGV Australia
8th July 2016 - Australian pools get international architectural recognition
17th March 2016 - Myrtha Pools’ components used in artistic installations
11th April 2014 - New Zealand’s biggest waterslide to be installed at Palmerston North’s Lido Aquatic Centre
26th November 2013 - One in four Poms pee in public pools
24th November 2012 - Zaha Hadid Architects win competition to redesign Japan’s National Stadium
30th October 2009 - Nation Split on High-Performance Bodysuits
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
Click here to view our subscription options.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Jonas Software operates over 110 independently managed software brands around the world, providing them with the strategic guidance and financial security required to be leaders in their respective…
read more
ICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…
read more
Playrope Aqua-Fun, are the Australian & New Zealand exclusive distributors for Vortex Aquatic Structures International, the world leader in aquatic playgrounds and urban water landscapes.…
read more
Smart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…
read more
TPEC Pool Enclosures provide a large range of premium commercial and residential retractable swimming pool, spa and terrace enclosures throughout Australia, servicing residential, local government…
read more
As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as Vivaticket Pty Ltd. Vivaticket is the ideal strategic partner for the organisation and management of your…
read more
ABOUT Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…
read more
Tim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!
