Exhibition in Segovia explores 100 years of hair dryer design as cultural artifact

From May 4 to 15, 2026, the Escuela de Arte y Superior de Diseño de Segovia will host an exhibition titled 100 años de diseño de secadores de pelo, curated by industrial designer Jeremy Aston. Drawing from Aston's private collection of over 200 examples, the show features 60 pieces that trace the evolution from 19th-century mechanical devices to contemporary high-efficiency models. A focus is placed on products developed in the Iberian Peninsula, examining their industrial design and graphic identity within a global context that includes key innovations from other countries. The exhibition frames each hair dryer as a testament to its era, revealing technological shifts, material advances, social demands, and changing design philosophies. Beyond functionality, it offers a cultural reading of design, exploring relationships between industry, society, and material culture. With a pedagogical aim, the project targets students, professionals, and the general public. During its two-week run, the display will be supplemented by workshops and guided tours led by Aston and the school's faculty, delving into design processes and the technical and symbolic evolution of this household appliance.