Design for Children

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As philosopher Alain de Botton has suggested ‘all designer objects are propaganda for a way of life.’ Nowhere does this seem more relevant than with design for children, as the things with which we surround them become central to their experience and perception of the world.

Though diminutive and often light-hearted in nature, design for children should not be underestimated or denied serious consideration: in the eloquent words of Charles Eames, ‘toys and games are the preludes to serious ideas.’

Today we take a closer look at some of the most iconic, and on the other hand, some - for the most part unseen, designs for children to play, learn, eat, create, sit and sleep.

Rocking Horse, 1936
Kay Bojesen (1886-1958)
Kay Bojesen Denmark

School Desk, 1946
Jean Prouvé (1901-84)
Ateliers Jean Prouvé

Peter’s Table and Chair, 1944
Hans Wegner (1914-2007)
Carl Hansen & Søn

Grand Berceau Crib
Olivier Marc (1930-)
Prototype

Zig-Zag High Chair, 1940
Gerrit Rietveld (1880-1964)
Metz & Co

Cradle, 1957
Frank Ruhloff (n.d.)
Self-produced

Munkegård Desk and 3105 Chair, c. 1952-5
Arne Jacobsen (1902-71)
Fritz Hansen

Children’s Cutlery, 2014
Louise Campbell (1970-)
Georg Jensen

Mod Rocker, 2005
Lisa Albin (1967-)
Iglooplay

Slinky, 1943
Richard James (1914-74)
James Industries / Alex Brands

Tripp Trapp, 1972
Peter Opsvik (1939-)
Stokke

Children’s Chair for Peckham
Pioneer Health Centre, c. 1935
Christopher ‘Kit’ Nicholson (1904-48)
Manufacturer unknown

Thost House Crib, 1927
Marcel Breuer (1902-81)
Private comission

Children’s Chair, c.1908
Joseph Hoffmann (1870-1956)
J & J Kohn

High Chair, 1978
Paul Wintermans (1950-)
Architekenburo Wintermans

Mother-Child Dining, 2005
Maartje Steenkamp (1973-)
Studio Maartje Steenkamp

Children’s Bounce Seat, 1960’s
Alex Pedeersen (n.d.)
Hukit

Swivel Chair, 1952
Casala (est. 1917)
Casala

Radio Nurse, 1937
Isamu Noguchi (1904-88)
Zenith Radio Corporation

Children’s Chair N65, 1935
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976)
Artek

Children’s Chair and Tray, 1885-1915
Gebrüder Thonet (est. 1853)
Gebrüder Thonet

Maternelle Table No.804
and Chair No. 805, 1951
Jean Prouvé (1901-84)
Ateliers Jean Prouvé

Apetito Set, 2012
Helena Rohner (1968-)
Georg Jensen

All images scanned from ‘Design for Children’ by Kimberlie Birks.

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