Industrial Revolution 2.0

Do advances in 3D printing techniques put us on the verge of a new industrial revolution? Renowned New York based gallerist and curator Materialise, who use cutting-edge laser and digital technologies applied to what is known as 'additive manufacturing' to 'print' three-dimensional objects.

'A sophisticated fabrication process once reserved for prototyping is quickly becoming ubiquitous,' says Moss. '3D printing is profoundly permeating all areas of our contemporary material world, including fashion and domestic furnishings, as well as transportation, medicine and architecture.'

The exhibition includes the Fractal. MGX table by Platform Studio and Mathias Bar, recently acquired by the V&A for its permanent collection. Created from a single piece of resin, the design is based on growth patterns seen in nature, which can be described with mathematical algorithms. This object would be impossible to produce without 3D printing. It also includes a special reproduction of the museum's 1827 bust of Lady Belhaven by renowned milliner Stephen Jones – to which he added a contemporary hat.

Supported by Materialise