Hella Jongerius: Whispering Things - (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Tactile and playful textiles, ceramics, furniture and more from Hella Jongerius' studio archive

For over three decades, Dutch designer Hella Jongerius (born 1963) has played a seminal role in shaping the field of industrial design, bridging craft and industry, theory and intuition. Her work spans textiles, ceramics, furniture and interiors--always rooted in a research-based studio practice and a deep engagement with material, color and form. Whispering Things explores Jongerius' oeuvre through the lens of her studio archive, acquired by the Vitra Design Museum in 2024. It offers unprecedented access to the prototypes, experiments and research materials that trace the evolution of Jongeriuslab. Through carefully curated essays; a personal conversation between Hella Jongerius and her long-time collaborator Louise Schouwenberg; and a visually compelling design by Joost Grootens, the book reflects the layered, research-driven and poetic nature of Jongerius' work. Archival materials, rare studio images and detailed object views offer an intimate look behind the scenes. Whispering Things is a portrait of a way of working that values imperfection over perfection, process over product and curiosity above all.

Review Quotes

Hella Jongerius is one of the great designers of her generation. At 62, she doesn't have to prove anything to anyone, and she doesn't need to make a name for herself; she's done that already with her 'Polder' and 'Vlinder' sofas for Vitra, cabin and seat interiors for KLM, textiles and seating for the UN with Maharam and Galerie Kreo, and porcelain pieces with Nymphenburg, to name just a few projects, not to mention solo shows and installations at the Design Museum, Centre Pompidou, MoMA, Gropius Bau, and the V&A.--Sophie Lovell "Wallpaper*"