Graphic Nature

Nature has always been a rich source of inspiration for artists and designers. But as our lives become increasingly urban and digitised, have we lost touch with forces and elements which once inspired awe and wonder? Have we outgrown the natural world?
This exhibition proves that nature still holds plenty of surprises, and continues to influence even the most contemporary of ideas. Natural patterns from giraffe skin to cauliflowers and Italian marble are transformed into edgy dramatic designs. Like the Arts and Crafts designers, some designers in the exhibition study nature to create decorative and useful objects for living. For other designers, it is the underlying complexities of nature – physical forces, mathematics and evolution – that appeal.
Drawing on historic decorative arts and natural history specimens from Museums Sheffield’s collections and the work of leading designers from across Europe, Graphic Nature is a vibrant celebration of nature’s continuing influence on design.
Latest
Jan 07 2021
Museums by Mail
Throughout the pandemic we’ve been working hard to bring our collections, exhibitions and events to you online. However, we know not everyone can access digital content, so we're very pleased to have created a project to enable us to reach a wider audience during this often isolating time.
Nov 26 2020
New lease of life for Graves Gallery thanks to Ampersand Foundation funding
We’re really delighted to announce a new programme of refurbishment and redisplay for the Graves Gallery, which has been made possible through a generous five-year funding grant from the Ampersand Foundation.