Dezeen Magazine

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition

Milan 2014: Dutch design studio Droog has adapted pieces from the 8000 objects in Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum to create a studio space for Milan design week (+ slideshow).

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition
Table skin Embroidery by deJongeKalff for Rijksmuseum

Spaces set up at Droog's Rijksstudio m2 exhibition will include an entrance, bedroom, kitchen, living room and dining room.

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition
Table skin Embroidery by deJongeKalff for Rijksmuseum

The walls and ceiling will be decorated with Dutch graphic designer Irma Boom's wallpaper, referencing works in the museum's collection by the likes of Vermeer and using the colour palette she developed as part of the 2013 Rijksmuseum renovation and rebrand.

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition
Table skin Embroidery by deJongeKalff for Rijksmuseum

An eighteenth-century tapestry will be transformed into wallpaper, while a painting with birds and clouds will become part of a reflective gradient wall in the bedroom.

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition
Table skin Strings & Things by deJongeKalff for Rijksmuseum

The furniture and homeware range created as part of the installation takes its lead from historical artifacts and pieces within paintings in the museum's collection.

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition
AA Glass series by Studio Droog, photo by Mo Schalkx

A bathtub, a daybed, a writing desk, a mirror, a nightstand and a candleholder are executed in wood and leather.

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition
AA Glass series by Studio Droog, photo by Mo Schalkx

Droog is also launching products previewed at Milan last year that are now in production. The collection takes colours, shapes and details from traditional artworks and uses contemporary materials such as rubber and titanium to create contemporary products.

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition
Pleated Collar napkin ring by Studio Droog, photo by Ingmar Swalue

The AA Glasses mimic the form of five historic glasses in the Rijksmuseum whose makers are unknown. They are available in transparent, or matte black for blind tastings.

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition
Tea for one by Studio Droog, photo by Mo Schalkx

Table Skin is a silicone cast of traditional Dutch ribbons and piping embroidery, used to form a durable, waterproof and easy-to-clean table cloth.

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition
Tea for two by Richard Hutten for Droog, photo by Mo Schalkx

The collection also include a 3D-printed napkin ring by Studio Droog that resembles a pleated Tudor ruff.

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition
Lampion Light by Richard Hutten for Droog, photo by Mo Schalkx

As well as these, Droog will present new products from its New Original series referencing iconic Chinese products such as the Tea for One and Tea for Two teapots by Richard Hutten.

Droog adapts Rijksmuseum collection for Milan exhibition
Exhibition preview of Droog's Rijksmuseum set

The exhibition will be open at Via San Gregorio 29 in Milan from 8 to 13 April.