This is the catalogue of an American exhibition on the manifestation of the 'Liberty style' of the early 20th century in the decorative arts of Italy. The First International Exposition of Modern Decorative Art, held in Turin in 1902, was the starting point for the evolution of the style in the country, largely through the work of the furniture-maker and entrepreneur Agostino Lauro (1861–1924). His creations are among those illustrated here, alongside preparatory drawings, contemporary photographs and other items from the archives.

Cheryl Buckley's history of British design culture examines how design and society have interacted from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st, and explores the connected themes of modernity and identity. Among the issues discussed are the spread of international modernism in Britain, the rise of eco-conscious design, the role of galleries and retailers, the celebrity designer and the influence of the heritage industry.