Akira Isogawa has taken part in a special event commemorating Australian designer David K Miles at the Australian Museum of Design (AMoD) studio in St Peters, Sydney.
AMoD founder Margaux Everett said the event unveiled original designs by Miles, with many not seen by the public for more than 50 years. This included the recently obtained photos covering his time with Merle de Bouley and the infamous Kings Cross mural commission from 1967.
“When I heard about the collection I thought it was amazing,” Isogawa said. “Now that I am here and can physically experience it, I see the history; it is priceless.”
Isogawa had the opportunity to hand screen print one of Miles’ designs called Japanese Ladies.
“I have just printed a masterpiece,” Isogawa said. “I feel quite emotional. I thank Margaux for her vision and commitment. I encourage everyone to share in this journey.”
David Miles was a creative designer. His designs have been used on wallpaper, fabric and limited-edition art from the 60s, 70s and 80s, featured in the Industrial Design Council of Australia (IDCA)'s 'Good Design' label in 1972.
The AMoD Studio at St Peters is the process of digitising and cataloguing the more than 7,500 original hand drawn designs in a collection that includes Miles as well as Carla Zampatti, Noel Lyons, Mambo (Reg Mombassa), Lloyd Floye and Bruce Clarke.
Ongoing additions to the collection include designs by Collette Dinnigan and Margaret Clark.
AMoD also possesses designs by Florence Broadhurst, under an agent agreement.
This year, Destination NSW selected AMoD to participate in Vivid Sydney 2023 with designs used to create a illuminated show that was projected onto Customs House.
AMoD has also created a world-first Textile Design Exchange (TDX) platform, a virtual marketplace where users can sell digital versions of original hand-drawn designs intended for textile related applications.
“Designs in the collection are now highly sought after as there is a world-wide resurgence in creating a retro look and feel,” Everett said. “Digital access to our collection is a world first.”