British Origami: the 1955 exhibition by Akira Yoshizawa

Akira Yoshizawa's exhibition in Amsterdam in 1955 showcased his revolutionary paperfolding techniques, which contrasted sharply with the traditional folding styles prevalent in Japan at the time. His use of the "sideways turn" in bird bases and his development of new geometric techniques, wet folding, and three-dimensional models made him a pioneer in the origami world. Yoshizawa's designs, which eschewed cutting, introduced a new way of diagramming folds, facilitating the exchange of models between folders and making a global origami movement possible.

The broader context of Yoshizawa's work was a period of revival in interest in paperfolding worldwide, following World War II. American servicemen stationed in Japan after the war sparked an interest in Japanese culture, including origami, while in the United States, Gershon Legman began studying the history of paperfolding in 1945. Meanwhile, Alfred Bestall introduced paperfolding into the Rupert Annuals in England, and Maying Soong published "The Art of Chinese Paperfolding" in New York in 1948. Yoshizawa's work built upon these isolated signs of revival, gaining momentum in the early 1950s with his recognition by Tadasu Iizawa, editor of Asahi Graf, and subsequent publication of his designs.

The implications of Yoshizawa's work are far-reaching, as his innovations paved the way for the modern origami movement, which branched out into various styles and approaches. While not all of these developments met with Yoshizawa's approval, they can be traced back to his groundbreaking techniques. As the origami world continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Yoshizawa's legacy influences future generations of paperfolders.