In 2003, design duo Van Eijk & Van der Lubbe used old Dutch prints as inspiration for a set of napkins and a tablecloth for the TextielMuseum. The addition of contemporary details gives the historical images a modern twist.
Traditional scenes from the past are linked to (everyday) situations in the present – both positive and negative – in the napkins inspired by Delft Blue tiles. The series from 2003 was subsequently updated in 2009 with details relevant to that year. For instance, the original image of a playing child holding a gun is overlaid with the screen of a Wii computer game. Meanwhile, a high-rise apartment block has appeared next to the Erasmus Bridge on Rotterdam’s skyline. These are temporary symbols that may have no significance in 20 years. And that’s exactly the point. By repeatedly updating the napkins with new layers, an image emerges of our irrepressible urge to innovate as well as our increasingly throwaway society.
The additions were made on the machines in the TextielLab. A narrow tape with the words 'v Eijk 2009 vd Lubbe' woven into it was stitched onto each napkin. The updated images were embroidered (including a poker card), laser engraved (solar panels) and foil printed on the fabric. The tablecloth was embroidered (For Sale sign) and laser engraved.
Niels van Eijk (1970) and Miriam van der Lubbe (1972) both graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven. Miriam then went on to study at the Sandberg Institute in Amsterdam. Since establishing design studio Van Eijk & Van der Lubbe in 1998, the duo has realised numerous projects ranging from autonomous work to major commissions such as the interior design of Muziekgebouw Eindhoven. In 2011, they launched USUALS, their own product design label. They also co-initiated Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven. Using design as a strategic tool, the duo creates experiences that aim to captivate, amaze and inspire.
