As part of the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK three international design teams – Studio Makkink & Bey, Rotterdam (NL); Claesson Koivisto Rune, Stockholm (SE); Studio Olgoj Chorchoj, Prag (CZ) – will present an exhibition on table culture in the special exhibition galleries of the LIECHTENSTEIN MUSEUM.

Claesson Koivisto Rune is one of the leading Swedish architecture and design bureaus poised with apparent ease between both standards and cultures. Its encounter with the Austrian firms of J. & L. Lobmeyr and Wiener Silber Manufactur led to a streamlined modern product but placed in an opulent scenario. "Like the people that gather around the table, the things we put on the table each has its own background and personality. And right there lies the beauty of it".

Rianne Makkink and Jurgen Bey, renowned for their critical reflections
on conventions via design, engage in the history of sugar. Teaming up with the traditional Viennese companies Jarosinsky & Vaugoin as well as the Demel confectionary they create a table for six in a sweet but also irritating mixture of silver and sugar.

The architects and designers Olchoj Chorchoj were one of the first Czech designers to leave the past behind through their radically contemporary works, though never abandoning the typical Czech sense of humour. Just so their installation in Vienna, which presents us with a flashback to our childhood.

The exhibition opens on 30.9.2010 as part of the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK opening festivities; it is also a “teaser” introducing the next special exhibition “The Ceremonial Service of Duke Albert of Saxen-Tesche” starting on 3 December. “Baroque Splendour and Stainless Steel” runs from 1 October till 9 November.