‘Stuffed’ is the initiative of a group of young, as well as
established, designers, artists and entrepreneurs based at Strijp S in
Eindhoven, The Netherlands. In the exhibition they will present works
inspired by the historical collection of animals belonging to the
Milieu Educatie Centrum Eindhoven (MEC). Together with a selection of
the MEC’s collection, the works will be shown during Salone del Mobile.

Animals have not only been the starting point, but also a part of the
exhibition. Anne ten Donkelaar, Anthony Kleinepier, Christoph Brach &
Daniera ter Haar, Dries van Wagenberg, Franke Elshout, Guus Kusters,
Josine Beugels, Keukenconfessies, Lisette Verkerk, Maarten Kolk,
Marjolijn Mandersloot, Rogier Walrecht, Snodevormgevers and Thijs
Bakker each gave their own interpretation to the subject. Stuffed has
become a journey though the world of taxidermy, skin, living
environment, the beauty of life and death, appearance and science.

The MEC owns a large collection of objects. What started as a bird
collection grew to become a broad assortment of more than 70.000
pieces. Most of the animals are from the Dutch province of Noord-
Brabant and have historical value. During the year only a few of them
are exhibited while the rest remain a well-kept secret to the public.
This consists of mammals and birds which are being carefully preserved
in dozens of closets in the attic, insects are drawn up perfectly in
glass frames, there are drawers full of eggs, and somewhere, you’ll
find a lost amphibian in preservation liquids; Together they form a
perfectly preserved biotope. This historical archive formed the basis
of the exhibition that will be presented at ‘Dutchness’.

‘Stuffed’ was exhibited for the first time during the ‘Dutch Design
Week 2008′ . As most of the initiators are alumni of Design Academy
Eindhoven it feels well to connect Stuffed to the renowned institute.

For more information and high-resolution pictures of ‘Stuffed’, please
contact Guus Kusters, gk@mkgk.nl