An homage to the design pioneers who defined the Mid-Century aesthetic through their work in furniture, glassware, ceramics and textiles

More than 50 years later, the fascination with mid-century design is stronger than ever before. Explore the popular movement’s distinctive style in this A-Z guide to the 300 influential designers who helped to define it.

From popular icons such as Alvar Aalto, Lina Bo Bardi, Tony Duquette, Charles & Ray Eames, Pierre Jeanneret, Florence Knoll, and Gio Ponti to the movement’s lesser-known figures, the book showcases an expansive, richly illustrated portrait of Mid-Century Modernism across the globe.

Detailed texts about each designer appear alongside hundreds of images of post-war designs, from furniture to glassware, lighting to textiles, ceramics to tableware, revealing the vibrant cross-pollination of ideas among the designers who defined the era’s aesthetic.

‘For the design obsessed.’ – Vogue

‘A Who’s Who of the midcentury greats.’ – Remodelista

‘Goes way beyond furniture.’ – Core77

‘A lush, exciting coffee table book.’ – Foreword Reviews, Starred Review

‘Design geeks, this one’s for you.’ –  IMBOLDN

‘Defining midcentury modernism, from A–Z.’ – PRINT Magazine

‘A hefty archive and visual reference for those seeking to broaden their knowledge, or just to find inspiration.’ – Wallpaper* Magazine

‘A celebration of mid-century modern design, its legacy, and the visionaries who helped shaped it.’ – Canadian Interiors

‘Arguably the most comprehensive survey of postwar design talent to date. With over 300 international profiles and 350 images packed into 352 elegantly designed pages, the book doesn’t just chronicle an era—it reanimates it.’ – Designlines Magazine 

‘A living archive—filled with over 300 designers whose work reshaped the way we sit, light, touch, and move through space.’ – Gessato

‘Bradbury examines furniture, glassware, ceramics, and textiles that now return to the market, offering a thoughtful view of an enduring movement.’ – Galerie Magazine

This striking book is almost as beautiful as the iconic midcentury designs – from Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair to Charles and Ray Eames’ Hang-It-All coatrack – it celebrates.’ – New York Post

Dominic Bradbury is a writer and freelance journalist specialising in architecture and design. He has written many books on these themes including the Atlas of Interior Design, The Fife Arms, the Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Masterpieces, and the Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses, all published by Phaidon.

He also contributes to many newspapers and magazines in the UK, US, and internationally, including The Times, Financial Times, Wallpaper*, House & Garden, and Galerie.