Collections & Research
Collections as Visual Inspiration
MoDA’s collections provide a rich source of inspiration for artists, designers and makers. Click here to get a flavour of what the collections contain, and to see how other people have used them to inform their work.
Search the collections to explore further and see thousands of images of textiles, wallpapers, and original designs.
MoDA’s collection of magazines and journals from throughout the 20th century are a great source of imagery. Topics covered include interior decoration, home crafts, gardening, and much more. View the Guide to the Magazines and Journals Collection to see what’s available.
Arthur Silver Award 2010
For 2010, MoDA is once again offering final year Middlesex University undergraduate students in the department of Art & Design the chance to win £1000 with the Arthur Silver Award.
To enter, students are invited to use MoDA’s collections for research and inspiration in the development of any piece of studio work under the guidance of their tutors. (The work should be submitted for assessment in the normal way).
To get inspired, come to MoDA and check out the exhibitions for free, and make a Study Room appointment to see a selection of material relevant to your particular interest by contacting Assistant Curator, Zoë Brealey. Email z.brealey@mdx.ac.uk or call 020 411 5244.
Please note that students are not required to use floral patterns in their entries. MoDA's collections include many different sorts and styles of designs other than florals, as well as publications, magazines, and more. Students are encouraged to explore the collections beyond floral prints and to use them in imaginative ways!
Arthur Silver Award Winner 2009 – Eleanor Picone
The Arthur Silver Award launched in 2009, and was won by Middlesex University BA Fashion student, Elena Picone. Elena created a menswear collection inspired by floral chintzes in MoDA’s collections.
To see Elena's successful application in pdf format click here
To Apply
Application for the Award is by submission of three A3 sheets which clearly demonstrate: the design brief or initial conception of the project; the development of the project; details of the final piece of work. Applications should demonstrate how the final piece was inspired by/developed from something in the museum’s collections and should show critical reflection on the research process.
One Award of £1,000 will be made annually. Please download an application form for more information. Entries should be submitted, along with an application form, to the Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture.
**UPDATE: The closing date for entries has now been pushed back to 5pm on the 21st May 2010**
If you have any queries please contact MoDA's Senior Curator Zoë Hendon.