Phaidon design classics

Phaidon design classics is a three-volume publication that represents one of the most authoritative and comprehensive collections dedicated to industrial design classics. First published in April 2006 by Phaidon Press Limited in the United Kingdom.

The work includes 999 industrial design objects carefully selected by an international group of experts, covering a period from the early 19th century to the present day.

Phaidon Design Classics is divided into three volumes, each of which houses a part of the collection of 999 objects. The division follows a chronological order, allowing the reader to follow the evolution of industrial design through the decades.
The 999 industrial design products, are selected for their aesthetic value, timeless quality, innovation in the use of materials, simplicity and purity of form, as well as for their enduring influence and significance over time.
Each object is presented with a detailed description that includes short and informative texts written by over fifty authors including designers, curators, critics and academics, who provide in-depth research and precise information on each product.

Color images and archive photographs, which show not only the finished object but also patents, prototypes, original drawings, vintage advertisements and images of the production processes.

Breadth of the topics covered: The selection of objects covered spans many different categories: cars, furniture, tools, lamps, cameras, airplanes, tableware and much more, to represent the variety and transversality of industrial design.

Encyclopedic approach: The chronological organization, the variety of objects and the wealth of iconographic and textual sources make the three volumes a true encyclopedia of industrial design, ideal both as a study tool and as a source of inspiration for professionals and enthusiasts.

Phaidon Design Classics stands out for its rigorous structure in three volumes and for the organization of the contents that allows to explore in a systematic and in-depth way the history and evolution of industrial design through 999 iconic objects.

The contents of the three volumes of Phaidon Design Classics are organized in a systematic and encyclopedic way to offer a complete overview of the history of industrial design.

In short, the three volumes are organized in such a way as to guide the reader through the history of industrial design, object by object, with a chronological approach and an unprecedented wealth of visual and textual content.