Barber | Osgerby. Alphabet at Triennale Milano: thirty years of design

Barber | Osgerby. Alphabet at Triennale Milano

The Triennale Milano presents Barber | Osgerby. Alphabet, the first major Italian retrospective of the London-based duo Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby. Curated by Marco Sammicheli with an installation by Studio Mille, the show is organised by decades and covers their work from 1996 to the present.

What to expect

The exhibition acts as a "dictionary" of projects: production pieces, prototypes, sketches and watercolours that reveal the evolution of form, materials and color. The display includes collaborations with notable Italian and international companies — such as B&B Italia, Cappellini, Flos, Venini and Mutina — and pieces held in major museum collections.

Highlights

• Chronological layout: the show is split by decade to highlight stylistic and technical development.
• Iconic works: projects like the Tobi-Ishi table (B&B Italia), the Tab lamp and Flos' Bellhop appear in the exhibition.
• Italian partnerships: a significant selection of works produced with Italian manufacturers, underlining their role in contemporary design.
• Installation: designed by Studio Mille to emphasise prototypes and material studies.

Why visit

The exhibition provides a clear account of Barber Osgerby's career, useful for design enthusiasts, professionals and students interested in project methodologies, material choices and the relationship between design and industrial production. It also highlights the dialogue between contemporary British design and the Italian manufacturing context.

Practical information

• Venue: Triennale Milano
• Curator: Marco Sammicheli
• Installation: Studio Mille
• On view until: 6 September 2026

For opening times, guided visits and ticket details, consult the Triennale Milano official website. Check for possible schedule changes before planning your visit.