The evolution of industrial design and technological innovation over the last century.
Casa do Design presents an exhibition that aims to tells the story of industrial design and technological innovation over the last 100 years through the lens of a simple everyday object — the hairdryer. The exhibition features a catalog that delves into the history of this artefact and the pieces on display, including true design icons.
Not Just Hot Air is inspired by Jeremy Aston’s extensive collection of hairdryers to showcase a century of industrial design. With more than 170 products from around the world, the collection began almost as a joke in 1990, when Jeremy, an Industrial Design student, decided to gift his mother the eccentric Duck’n’Dry, a duck-shaped hairdryer.
Jeremy’s peculiar passion for hairdryers remained and, as the collection grew to include true antiques, vintage and contemporary models, the deep correlation between the design of these appliances and the historical periods they represent became clear.
Ordinary yet sophisticated, the hairdryer reveal the social, economic, cultural and industrial changes that marked different moments of the 20th century. Not Just Hot Air denotes this evolution. Each dryer in the collection tells a story, reflecting changes in technology, fashion and consumer culture. Similarly, the exhibition contributes to our knowledge of this modest but basic artefact and provides a glimpse into a more sustainable future.
Some of the hairdryers on display are created by design legends such as Peter Behrens, whose industrial models formed the basis of today’s consumer products; Dieter Rams, known for his ‘less is better’ philosophy that reshaped the way we look at minimalist design; and James Dyson, whose innovative approach revolutionized the home appliance industry in terms of performance and efficiency.
The exhibition also features models of hairdryers for recreational use, designed mainly — but not only — for children, and various adverts which, over the last few decades, helped make the hairdryer an indispensable household product.
The exhibition and catalog launch will take place on Friday, 13 December, at 6pm and will be attended by the curator and representatives of the municipality and esad—idea.
On display until 4 May 2025, the exhibition will also include a programme of parallel activities, to be announced.
Guided tours can be booked via email: servicoeducativo@esad.pt.
About the Curator
Jeremy Aston is an award-winning designer with a multidisciplinary approach to design, teaching and research. With over twenty years of professional experience, he has worked in various industrial sectors, including construction, education, electronics, health, textiles and transport.
Originally from the UK, he is a Portuguese citizen and lives in the Porto area. He holds a specialist degree in Industrial Design (2016) and a master's degree in Vehicle Design (1996). Since 2016, he has been coordinating the Masters programmes in Product Design at ESAD in Matosinhos. He is committed to collaborative and innovative projects, with the aim of making people's daily lives easier by improving products, vehicles and services for a sustainable future.
