Ply-ability

Ply-ability is the first exhibition in New Zealand devoted to the fascinating story of innovation and change in New Zealand plywood studio furniture.

The exhibition celebrates the innovation of one of New Zealand’s most important furniture designers - Garth Chester - and the significant body of plywood furniture that he developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Using plywood, the material which captivated Chester, the exhibition looks at other New Zealand designers who have worked with plywood. It presents rare examples of local modernist furniture, experimental works by amateur designers and designs by some of New Zealand’s leading contemporary furniture designers. Using the common element of plywood, Ply-ability moves through key moments in the history of local design from Art Deco through to the present day.

Ply-ability will be accompanied by a publication including new writing by curator Lucy Hammonds and guest writer Rigel Sorzano. A symposium exploring different models of New Zealand design practice is also planned for early next year. Please contact HBMAG to register your interest for this event.