Plywood: Material of the Modern World

The new exhibition at London’s V&A Museum, displays the history of how this disregarded material has transformed the modern world.

Featuring pieces by Alvar Aalto, Marcel Breuer and Charles and Ray Eames, together with an exquisite range of objects from Aircrafts to skateboards.

Continue reading to rediscover the history of this beautiful material….

The exhibition starts in the 1850s and progresses to present day, it displays a timeline of the material’s development and its contribution in the designed world. It reveals how plywood has revolutionised design over the past 150 years. Curated by Elizabeth Bisley and Christopher Wilk, the show is divided into sections by three major stages in the production of the material – the invention of the rotary lathe in the 19th century, the introduction of moulding techniques and the start of digital technology.

Invention of plywood

The technique of layering cross-grained veneers to create a material stronger than solid wood has been about since early 2600 BC in ancient Egypt. However not until 1760s did furniture workshops in the UK start to implement plywood techniques for production.

In 1830s, by introducing mechanised saws the cost of veneers dramatically dropped. Plywood was seen as the innovative material of the industrial age. It soon became particularly recognised for its ability to be moulded into strong, curved forms, this presented a cheaper option to cast metal.

Plywood was a frequently concealed material in the 1900s – either used structurally or made to look as solid wood. As it became more popular it was more visible in designs, designers further experimented and celebrated its ability to be shaped into strong, curved forms.

Shot Chair, 1936, designed by Marcel Breuer, this chair’s thin and light seat was molded as a single piece of plywood. The strength of the material gives the illusion of a floating seat, suspended in its frame.

Armchair, 1932, this chair was designed for the Paimio Tuberculosis Sanitorium in Finland and made by a small factory. In 1933 the factory started manufacturing the chairs for general sale, besides other furniture designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Aalto’s innovative use of plywood had a substantial influence on other designers.

Together with influential experiments by modernist designers and architects, plywood’s most important use in this era was as a material for aeroplane design. From the 1910s to 1945, plywood’s qualities allowed for the manufacture of radical new planes that revolutionised the nature of flight.

The digital age

Today, plywood is very popular, commonly being used on digital platforms. The material is vital in contemporary design and making. With its visible edges, simple joints and noticeable wood-grain suggesting a large interest in natural, sustainable materials and simple construction.

The increase of plywood implemented within contemporary design has led to the improvements to products that can be moulded in different and innovative ways never possible before.

Get the look

Mint’s plywood furniture pieces are sophisticated and unique in design taking this commonly used material and adding its own twist.

©Inge-Clemente

Camouflage

This cabinet is made from plywood and is meant to be touched. A reaction to shiny furniture, which is interesting to see, the material is left unfinished so one can feel the texture.

Kommoden Paradies

The cabinet is made of textiles from Indonesia and Pakistan. Some of the fabrics are traditionally produced, and some are modern prints. The textiles define the format.