Mirrors may show us our reflection today, but for centuries they were thought to reveal far stranger things.Forged through a perilous, mercury‑soaked process, these “everyday” objects hide a mysterious past that’s anything but ordinary.Guest:<ul><li>John Hawkins, antiques dealer</li></ul>

Mirrors may show us our reflection today, but for centuries they were thought to reveal far stranger things. Forged through a perilous, mercury‑soaked process, these “everyday” objects hide a mysterious past that’s anything but ordinary. Guest:John Hawkins, antiques dealer

Extraordinary Everyday: Mirrors

Hosted by Anthony Burke, Professor of Architecture at UTS and one of Australia's leading voices on how we might build better futures, Anthony Burke's By Design podcast explores the clever ideas and human stories behind the spaces, systems, and objects shaping our everyday lives.

Anthony is well-known as the host of Grand Designs Australia, Grand Transformations, Restoration Australia, and Culture by Design (streaming on ABC iview). His expertise and passion for design make this podcast an essential listen for anyone curious about how design impacts the way we live.

From prefab housing and smart homes to designing cruise ships or animal habitats and the future of the open-plan home, each episode dives deep into a theme through engaging interviews and real-life case studies from across Australia.

Every show ends with The Extraordinary Everyday, a short segment uncovering the cultural and social history of familiar objects: think plunge pools, corduroy, and even the humble welcome mat. With an informal, accessible tone, By Design makes design visible, relatable, and relevant for everyone.

Whether you're curious about architecture, interior design, urban design, product design, furniture or fashion design, sustainability, or the hidden stories behind everyday objects, this podcast reveals why design matters, especially in a rapidly changing world.

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Design

Hosted by Anthony Burke, Professor of Architecture at UTS and one of Australia's leading voices on how we might build better futures, Anthony Burke's By Design podcast explores the clever ideas and human stories behind the spaces, systems, and objects shaping our everyday lives. Anthony is well-known as the host of Grand Designs Australia, Grand Transformations, Restoration Australia, and Culture by Design (streaming on ABC iview). His expertise and passion for design make this podcast an essential listen for anyone curious about how design impacts the way we live. From prefab housing and smart homes to designing cruise ships or animal habitats and the future of the open-plan home, each episode dives deep into a theme through engaging interviews and real-life case studies from across Australia. Every show ends with The Extraordinary Everyday, a short segment uncovering the cultural and social history of familiar objects: think plunge pools, corduroy, and even the humble welcome mat. With an informal, accessible tone, By Design makes design visible, relatable, and relevant for everyone. Whether you're curious about architecture, interior design, urban design, product design, furniture or fashion design, sustainability, or the hidden stories behind everyday objects, this podcast reveals why design matters, especially in a rapidly changing world.

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Extraordinary Everyday: Mirrors

Extraordinary Everyday: Mirrors