Plastic pencil case with 'Turn 'N' Learn' ready reckoner, c 1994.

Design for a mirror back, 1870-1875.

Plastic, metal and paper, late 20th century.

Alexander Parkes, inventor of the first synthetic plastic, 1848.

Design for a mirror back featuring Venus in her shell, c 1870-1875.

Sketch of carbon atoms, 1990s.

Sketch of carbon atoms, 1990s.

Sketch of carbon atoms, 1990s.

Sketch of carbon atoms, 1990s.

"Smiling man reading a newspaper, c 1940s."

Objects made from cellulose acetate, c 1930s-1940s.

Plastic dustbin stuffed with plastic fish, 1998.