House of IdeasCynthia Reed’s Studio

In 1932, at the age of 24, Cynthia Reed opened a modernist studio shop and gallery in Collins Street, Melbourne and quickly became part of the city’s growing artistic community. During its two years of operation her studio was a platform for artists and designers to meet, exhibit and sell their work. It has since gained a reputation as the first shop in Melbourne to display modern furniture alongside contemporary art and textile design. The exhibitions presented by Reed reflect her vision in advancing modernist ideas and her support of avant-garde artists.

House of Ideas: Cynthia Reed’s Studio recreates elements of the studio displays and brings together the work of associated artists and designers to shed light on Reed’s place in the development of Australian modernism. The exhibition includes the work of Sam Atyeo, Moya Dyring, Ian Fairweather, Adrian Feint, Michael O’Connell, Margaret Preston, Frederick Ward and others, and features an intervention titled Impossible Bouquet by Melbourne artist Tai Snaith.