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From pop-up toasters to peerless film production - an exhibition billed as New Zealand’s biggest ever showcase of design is on at Massey’s Wellington campus as the School of Design celebrates its 125th anniversary.

The exhibition Oldschool Newschool: an art and design history of New Zealand will be opened on September 28th by the Hon Christopher Finlayson, Minister of Culture and Heritage. It is a long overdue opportunity to celebrate all aspects of New Zealand design, ranging from the practical application of industrial products, to the aesthetic of fashion garments and the high-tech properties involved in communication design.

It is proud to be part of the REAL New Zealand Festival being held to celebrate all things Kiwi during Rugby World Cup 2011.

Exhibition project coordinator Luit Bieringa describes the exhibition, which continues until November 5, as “ a summary of a massive educational journey,” dating back to 1886 when the School of Design, a forerunner institution to the current College of Creative Arts, was opened by Arthur Riley.

“Fashion designers, artists, industrial designers, photographers, book designers – the school has given them the tools to go away and create their futures,” he says.

“We want visitors to enjoy and understand the journey from teaching to product. The underlying ethic of the design school is one in which people are actually making things. The end results are everything from a Zip toaster to a dress to an advertisement – to a film production studio in the case of Sir Richard Taylor. They are all part of that practical application of art and design to our world, with the positive benefits this brings to our economy and cultural identity.”

Exhibition designer and lecturer in Industrial Design, Matthjis Siljee, says the Great Hall will be filled with exhibits from the everyday to the out of this world. His design acknowledges the architecture and history of the space and is capable of supporting two and three dimensional as well as digital displays.

Oldschool Newschool: an art and design history of New Zealand is being held at the Museum Building, Buckle St, Wellington from September 29 - November 5.