An all-star roster of leading writers and scholars will guide us on a dazzling tour through the history of modern design.

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In this exciting new series, an all-star roster of leading writers and scholars—including many longtime Speakers Annex favourites—will guide us on a dazzling tour through the history of modern design, each delivering a talk on a favourite object or space and the influence it’s had on a different field of design.

From a look at the evolution of the architecture of libraries with critic Christopher Hume to the alluring story of the “little black dress” with a leading fashion writer, we’ll survey the rich histories of these staples of modern design and look at stunning examples from innovative designers. We’ll examine the world we live in with a fresh new set of eyes!

Featuring: 

  • Architecture critic Christopher Hume on the architecture of libraries
  • Author John Ota on the cultural history of the dining room
  • Writer Julia Zarankin on the surprising history of the Russian Nesting Doll
  • Fashion Critic Deirdre Kelly on the “Little Black Dress”
  • Art Historian Barbara Isherwood on history’s most impressive and iconic beds
  • New York Times-bestelling author David Sax on moleskin notebooks, vinyl records and the recent renaissance in “analog design”

 

*For speaker bios, and a full rundown of the topics that we’ll covered in each lecture in this series, please check out the course syllabus HERE.

**Interested in attending more than one of our spring courses and getting a nice discount? Then consider signing up for our Spring Season Pass. Details HERE

 

All Lectures are in the Al Green Theatre. Course Subscriptions: $99+Tax for MNjcc Members. $119+Tax for Non-Members.

*Drop-in tickets to individual lectures will be made available within 8 days of each lecture, subject to availability.

Questions? Email thespeakersannex@gmail.com or contact the Miles Nadal JCC Help Desk at help@mnjcc.org or 416-924-6211 x0.

 

Presented by:

A Kultura Collective Member

Start Date: April 14, 2026

Closing Date: May 19, 2026

Tuesdays, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Downtown Toronto

750 Spadina Ave

Website:

$119.00 Taxes not included

Accessibility

If accessibility options not listed, please contact the venue to confirm

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