Designed in the USSR: 1950-1989: from the collection of the Moscow Design Museum

One good thing about the covid lockdown is I've taken the change to spend the money I would have spent on going out to the pub and to gis on some great books instead, and this one is up there with the best. The book has been divided into three separate sections (Citizen, State and World), and includes 350 images covering 4 decades.I found the whole book captivating, and there's some incredible examples of Russian design (including my personal favourite, the Saturnas vacuum cleaner that inspired by the Sputnik satellite) and some amazing cars, consumer electronics and children's toys.If you have any interest in life behind the Iron Curtain or design at all then you won't be disappointed with this book. The only complaint is it could be more in depth - I'd have liked more text to explain the context of the items as I ploughed through it in a single day and was left wanting more. Nevertheless a great read and recommended.

There are few books on Soviet design so this volume is welcome and brings together a panoply of items from the last 40 years of the USSR. Although the Scientific Research Institute of Scientific Aesthetics tried to develop a Soviet design culture it was faced with an economic system with its five-year plans and factory directors reluctant to change to a better design. Many products were reverse engineered and "Sovietised" from western examples but nevertheless there were innovative conceptual projects. While function and utility were they key driving forces creativity still managed to flourish. The book is in three parts, first the "Citizen" which showcases the everyday domestic and consumer products. Secondly the "State" which focuses on items which reveal something about the state-controlled system of design and the third part "World" are USSR products on the international stage. Most of the items in the book went on display at the Moscow Design Museum in 2012 and attracted a considerable audience.

This is my sons “Easter Egg”. He’s a design student and loves the Russian concept within design.His FMP (final major project) before Uni was linked to Russian Constructivism and this book was to help. Unfortunately, with Covid19 the FMP has been cancelled, but the book is a worthy addiction for his and his studies. He loves it and has so many ideas from reading it.

A not too serious or detailed review of Russian design icons and an insight into how they came to be. Perhaps could have used a bit more depth , I finished it in a few hours but brought back memories of a visit in the 1970s . In true Russian fashion two pages were part attached which kind of added to the charm.

Great insight into the ephemera of the soviet block. The industrial design is fascinating. I'd have liked not oily to see the labels and wrappers of items but also to see the social or commercial context of the design. Nevertheless enthralling.

If you are into Soviet nostalgia, this book is for you. Hundreds of photos of vintage home appliances, toys, movie posters, cars, stereo systems, etc. Even the paper used in the book, feels kind of cheap and vintage.

Lovely book full of amazing pictures. A great art reference book.Lovely quality too.

A well put together dive into the world of Soviet design, a great book both on the inside and outside.