This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.
OMK Design is a British design group. It was established in 1966 by Rodney Kinsman, Jerzy Olejnik, and Bryan Morrison. They all trained at the London Central School of Arts and Crafts. The group produced its furniture, including its 1969 T5 chair.
Rodney Kinsman RDI
Today, Rodney is a renowned designer, manufacturer, and businessman who continues to lead OMK. Rodney’s aspirations have always been to design progressive furniture using modern technology and materials rather than following tradition.
Among his many awards and achievements, Rodney was appointed Fellow of the Chartered Society of Designers in 1983, Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Art in 1988 and Royal Designer of Industry in 1990.
Exhibitions
OMK Design’s work was shown at the 1966 Redfern Gallery exhibition in London, the 1970 ‘Ideal Home’ in London, the 1970 Expo ’70 Osaka, and the 1970 ‘International Airport Exhibition’ in Amsterdam. Its T5 chair was shown at the 1969 ‘Décor International exhibition in London and the 1970 ‘Modern Chairs 1918-1970’ exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery in London. They were awarded the 1969 Observer Design Award.
Sources
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.
OMK 1965 – Furniture Design London. omk1965v3. https://www.omk1965.com/rodney-kinsman.
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