Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style

The Design Museum have announced ‘Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style’ opening to the public in March 2025 in celebration of our love of water: from Britain’s lido boom during the early 20th century, to the viral Mermaidcore trend of the 2020s.

Notable pieces to look out for are Pamela Anderson’s iconic red bathing suit from Baywatch, the first Olympic solo swimming gold medal won by a British woman, and a selection of eye-catching men’s Speedos from the 1980s.

In total over 200 objects will feature in Splash!, exploring swimming’s evolution in its social, cultural, technological and environmental contexts. The exhibition will be guest-curated by Amber Butchart, a dress and design historian known for her history segments on BBC One’s The Great British Sewing Bee.

‘Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style’ runs from 28 March – 17 August 2025 at The Design Museum, Kensington. Book your tickets here.

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Words by Jess Butler