Globalism is often discussed using abstract terms, such as 'networks' or 'flows' and usually in relation to recent history. Global Design History moves us past this limited view of globalism,
broadening our sense of this key term in history and theory.
Individual chapters focus our attention on objects, and the stories they can tell us about cultural interactions on a global scale. They place these concrete things into contexts, such as
trade, empire, mediation, and various forms of design practice. Among the varied topics included are:
the global underpinnings of Renaissance material culture the trade of Indian cottons in the eighteenth century
the Japanese tea ceremony as a case of 'import substitution' German design in the context of empire
handcrafted modernist furniture in Turkey
Australian fashions employing 'ethnic' motifs
an experimental UK, Ghanaian design partnership Chinese social networking websites
the international circulation of contemporary architects.
Featuring work from leading design historians and specialists in related disciplines, each chapter is paired with a response, designed to expand the discussion and test the methodologies on
offer. An extensive bibliography and resource guide will also aid further research, providing students in particular with a user-friendly model for approaches to global design.
Glenn Adamson is Deputy Head of Research at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where he leads a graduate programme in the History of Design.
Giorgio Riello is Associate Professor in Global History and Culture at the University of Warwick, UK.
Sarah Teasley is Tutor in the History of Design and Liaison Tutor in Critical and Historical Studies at the Royal College of Art, UK.
