World fairs were the most important vehicles for debuting advancements in modern living. These renowned international expositions were showcases and marketplaces for design on a global, national and individual level. Decorative arts, particularly objects crafted in ceramic, metal, glass and wood, were the physical manifestation of the progressive, economic and technological ideals embodied in the fairs. These singular objects represented the pinnacle of scientific and artistic achievements of their time and demonstrated how innovative design could positively affect modern life.
Books have been published on specific world's fairs or on particular media, such as glass or ceramics, but this is the first to include such an ambitious range of media, countries of origin and the span of time. This volume includes approximately 200 examples from private and public collections, primarily in America and Europe. The objects, many of which have never been published or seen outside of the irrespective collections, are complemented by rich contextual imagery.
