Production Outfit
Ensemble
ca. 1922 (designed), 2005 (made)
ca. 1922 (designed), 2005 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is a reproduction of the worksuit designed in 1922 by Russian artist Alexander Rodchenko (1891-1956). The V&A commissioned this reproduction for its 2005 Modernism exhibition. The suit illustrates the deep concern held by European modernists for finding an appropriate model of clothing for the new era in which they were living. The suit is based on surviving Rodchenko drawings, photographs and on the Rodchenko Room Project (2003) of the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu.
Rodchenko's original two-piece outfit was made by his wife Varvara Stepanova (1894-1958). Its simple, sturdy construction and plain wool fabric were intended to suggest connections with the worker. The design was practical for active work and the harsh climate of the Soviet Union.
Rodchenko's original two-piece outfit was made by his wife Varvara Stepanova (1894-1958). Its simple, sturdy construction and plain wool fabric were intended to suggest connections with the worker. The design was practical for active work and the harsh climate of the Soviet Union.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Title | Production Outfit (assigned by artist) |
| Materials and techniques | Wool (twill weave) and leather |
| Brief description | Ensemble, production outfit, grey woven wool with leather trim, 2005 reconstruction of c.1922 ensemble designed and worn by the Russian artist Alexander Rodchenko (1891-1956). |
| Physical description | A worksuit composed of a pair of trousers and shirt made from grey wool with black leather trim at collar, cuffs, pockets and waistband. The shirt has two prominent breast pockets; the trousers also features two large hip pockets. The trousers legs end at the ankle and are finished with a buckled leather band. The shirt cuffs are also trimmed with a buckled leather band. |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Unique |
| Gallery label | The factory as design inspiration
In the wake of the Russian Revolution in 1917, the country became a communist state and in 1922 it was renamed the Soviet Union. The Russian government called on designers and artists to help create a new Soviet identity and boost the country’s now state-owned industry. In response to an official appeal for innovative new textile designs, the artist Varvara Stepanova created the chevron pattern seen here on the fabric swatch. Her partner Aleksander Rodchenko, also an artist, designed a uniform-like outfit to show his admiration for factory workers. Rodchenko was photographed wearing the outfit himself.
Fabric swatch with chevron design
Printed textile, 1924
Designed by Varvara Stepanova
Manufactured by the Tsindel Textile Factory, Soviet Union (now Russia) Printed cotton flannel Given by Martin Roth
Museum no. T.213-2016
Factory-inspired outfit
Jacket and trousers, about 1922
Designed by Aleksander Mikhailovich Rodchenko
First made by Varvara Stepanova, Soviet Union (now Russia) Reproduction made by Aio Morishita, Japan, 2005
Machine-stitched wool with leather trims
Museum no. T.40:1, 2-2005
The object sits in the 'Automation and Labour' section of the Design 1900-Now gallery opened in June 2021.(2021) |
| Object history | The V&A commissioned this reproduction suit for its 2005 Modernism exhibition. It was commissioned by the Museum from Japanese maker Aoi Morishita, based on surviving drawings and photographs and on the Rodchenko Room Project (2003) of the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu, Japan. |
| Summary | This is a reproduction of the worksuit designed in 1922 by Russian artist Alexander Rodchenko (1891-1956). The V&A commissioned this reproduction for its 2005 Modernism exhibition. The suit illustrates the deep concern held by European modernists for finding an appropriate model of clothing for the new era in which they were living. The suit is based on surviving Rodchenko drawings, photographs and on the Rodchenko Room Project (2003) of the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu. Rodchenko's original two-piece outfit was made by his wife Varvara Stepanova (1894-1958). Its simple, sturdy construction and plain wool fabric were intended to suggest connections with the worker. The design was practical for active work and the harsh climate of the Soviet Union. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.40:1, 2-2005 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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