“Skateboard” in Exibition London

20 OCTOBER 2023 – 2 JUNE 2024 @ https://designmuseum.org/

Sponsored by Converse. The first major UK exhibition to map the design evolution of the skateboard from the 1950s to today – a story of design, performance and communities progressing together. The exhibition is also host to a skateboard ramp – skaters can book an Open Skate session + exhibition ticket combined.

Lonnie Toft pro model Sims 1978. Photograph by Caleb J. Adams

Curated and designed by author, designer and skater Jonathan Olivares, this is the first UK exhibition to explore the evolution of skateboard design in such detail, developed in partnership with Converse.

The exhibition showcases innovative skateboards and components and track how skateboarders have taken over sidewalks, swimming pools and skate parks designing new boards to suit their performance, style and surroundings.

Mark Gonzales, Gemco Bank, frontside boneless, 1985. Photograph by Grant Brittain

Around 90 rare and unique boards are on display, alongside over 100 other objects, including hardware such as wheels and tucks, safety equipment, VHS tapes, DVDs, magazines and ephemera. Together they show skateboard’s technical developments and its evolving social acceptance.

Caballero Dragon, Powell Peralta, 1981. Photograph by Caleb J. Adams

Explore a range of contemporary boards alongside 1950s homemade skateboards from California – Laura Thornhill’s Logan Earth Ski 1970s pro model, Tony Hawk’s first ever professional model skateboard, Sky Brown’s first pro model and the Sky Brown x Skateistan Almost deck.

When you visit, don’t forget to share your favourites with @designmuseum using the hashtags:

#SkateboardExhibition

#DesignMuseumRamp