In Sparkling Company: Glass And The Costs Of Social Life In Britain During The 1700s with Selldorf Architects

Engage

Feb 21

Corning, NY
Type: Exhibition
Role: Sara Lopergolo (Design Partner, Selldorf Architects)

In Sparkling Company: Glass and the Costs of Social Life in Britain During the 1700s" at The Corning Museum of Glass showcases elite-class glass objects from 18th-century Britain, illustrating the era's extravagances. The exhibit explores the human cost, revealing the wealth sources linked to slavery and worker exploitation.

The presentation unfolds an aristocrat's day, blending historical vignettes with modern perspectives. A vibrant entry juxtaposes a glowing neon sign with a classical print reproduction. An adjacent room immerses visitors in a historic London pleasure garden, offering glimpses of a dessert table setting.

The main gallery features a mirrored wall framing portals to highlight intricate jewelry and objects, symbolizing the era's self-indulgence. Transparency between spaces, including a printed scrim leading to the immersive Northumberland Room, enhances the exhibition's flow and visual appeal.