Art and design have always been shaped by the movement of people and resources. Looking at these pieces can reveal stories about how we live, how we learn and how we share knowledge, ideas and resources across cultures.

Taking a closer look at a selection of works and the stories they tell, NGV curator Maria Quirk and conservator Skye Firth lead a tour of The Global Life of Design to consider the lived history and shared narratives behind these items that have been used, worn and often treasured by their makers and owners before making their way into the NGV Collection.