The V&A/RCA History of Design programme was established in 1982 as the first ever postgraduate centre in our field. Our expansive chronology, from 1400 to the contemporary, and our global geographies are part of the way we forge new critical thinking about the histories of design. Our work is public-facing and socially and environmentally engaged, in line with our location in the public museum and the art school. This mission statement has been both complemented and (critically) adapted by this year’s graduating students, whose has taken the possibilities of the discipline in exciting new directions.

This cohort have been particularly active, not only in producing the symposium and publication related to the In-Between project, but also in curating shows like Black Botanicals and Queer They Are that expanded the reach of their work. Their work also found its voice in a whole series of other self-generated formats, from lectures and editorials to workshops and fanzines.

The History of Design programme constantly works to challenge received wisdom about design and designers. It invites in new actors, champions novel explanations of past events and essays alternative forms of telling those stories. This mix is evident throughout their dissertations, and in the broader projects that the students have engaged in whilst on the programme.

We hope that you will enjoy the collection of work on show here.