Women’s Contribution through the Pages of “Domus” (1946–1968): Design Exhibitions and Fairs

This essay presents the results of a first systematic, and critical survey of the representation of women in «Domus» between the resumed of the magazine in January 1946 (n. 205) and its 40th anniversary in 1968 (n. 459). Leafing through the pages of 255 magazine issues - published on a monthly and bi-monthly basis by the Editoriale Domus (Milan), the essay focuses mainly on articles dealing with product design and interior design. «Domus» was founded in 1928 by architect Gio Ponti to popularise the modern lifestyle in home design. During its first period of publication (1928-1945), it also dealt with topics considered of interest to women, such as the art of homemaking, gardening and cooking. Over the years, through its various editors, this legendary architecture and design magazine has explored a wide range of fields including applied arts, industrial design, architecture and urban planning with an international perspective. It always promoted original and innovative works and soon became a reference magazine with its affiliated periodical «Casabella» (1933-1964) and «Stile Industria» (1954-1963). The publication of «Domus» ceased in 1945 due to the war, and it was resumed with a new look in 1946 under the direction of architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers (a member of the renowned firm BBPR), replaced by Gio Ponti from January 1948. The editorial staff saw the constant presence of Lisa Ponti Licitra (Milan, 1922) before and after the war. As an artist and writer, Gio Ponti’s daughter played a prominent role in the history of «Domus» for many years and became its editor in January 1985. In the post-war period, the magazine embraced new cultural trends and other women joined the editorial staff, contributing articles about works designed by women. Considering that the 1950s and 1960s were marked in Italy by an extraordinary vitality in architecture and design, the essay aims to offer a comparison between the first period (1928-1945) and the second (1946-1968) of «Domus», in terms of quantity and quality of articles published about works by women. The essay also contributes to rediscover women’s projects and activities in the field of Design Exhibitions and Fairs.