Plastics collection awarded nationally significant status

A collection of designs in plastic has been designated as nationally important by Arts Council England.

Held by the Museum of Design in Plastics at the Arts University Bournemouth, it includes objects like an early billiard ball, prosthetic limbs and the iconic Mr Potato Head toy.

Chief Curator Professor Susan Lambert said there is no other collection worldwide that engages so thoroughly with the history of plastics.

"In recent years, discourse around plastics in the designed world has been divisive, being somewhat polarised by issues around overuse and sustainability. 
 
“We often see plastics depicted as objects that leave an indelible and damaging impact on the natural world, and while that’s certainly something we need to address as a global community, the current pandemic will see more than 8 billion plastic vaccination syringes used across the world."

Dr Nick Merriman, Chair of Arts Council England’s Designation panel, said he hoped the accolade safeguards the collection for future generations to enjoy.