Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture

Closed in 2023 the Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture MoDA held a remarkable collection. It was a treasure trove of 19th and 20th-century decorative arts for the home. Located in London MoDA was part of Middlesex University. For over a decade it showcased its impressive holdings. The museum’s collection included the renowned Silver Studio collection. This collection featured over 20000 designs. Designs ranged from wallpapers and textiles to tablecloths rugs and carpets. The Silver Studio a West London design practice produced these items between 1880 and 1963. Many designs ended up in British homes thanks to the Studio’s mass-producing clients. The museum also housed the Charles Hasler collection. This collection reflected Hasler’s work in exhibition design and typography. His collection included printed materials such as postcards posters and packaging. MoDA also held the Crown Wallpaper Archive. This archive contained around 5000 wallpaper albums and samples. The samples date from the early 1950s to the late 1960s. The archive gave a fascinating glimpse into British tastes across a long period. Another highlight was the Domestic Design Collection. This collection consisted of over 4000 books journals and magazines. These publications covered home furnishing household management and gardening. A significant portion focused on the growth of North London suburbia between 1900 and 1939. The museum’s closure in 2023 sadly ended this incredible resource. However its legacy lives on through the dispersed collections. The Silver Studio’s influence on British interior design is undeniable. MoDA’s closure is a loss but its contribution to the understanding of domestic design remains significant. Its diverse collections offered an unparalleled insight into the evolution of home design in Britain. The museum played a vital role in research and education. MoDA’s story is a testament to the importance of preserving design history.