Photos By Gail
The Coca-Cola Cooler Radio (1948–49) is a unique and highly collectible piece of vintage memorabilia that combines two symbols of mid-20th-century Americana: the iconic Coca-Cola cooler and the household radio. Here’s an overview of what makes this item so cool!
Continue reading Eye On Design: Vintage Coca-Cola Cooler Radio
Photo By Gail
The Deluxe Radio (1946 ) — also known as the B Radio and manufactured by Cyarts Plastics — is an interesting piece of post-war American design. Like many companies at the time, Cyarts shifted from war-related production to consumer goods in the aftermath of World War II. During this time, many consumer electronics were designed by teams, and the contribution of individual designers was sometimes not well-documented. However, Charles (Chuck) Csuri is a strong candidate for having had a hand in the design, with others at the company also contributing to the final product. Continue reading Eye On Design: Deluxe Radio Circa 1946 By Cyarts Plastics
Photos By Gail
Norman Bel Geddes (1893 – 1958) was an influential American industrial designer known for his innovative and futuristic designs in the early to mid-20th century. One of his notable creations was the Patriot radio (1940): a sleek and modern tabletop radio that showcased Geddes’ forward-thinking design sensibilities. It was a departure from the traditional boxy and ornate designs of radios at the time. Instead, Geddes envisioned a streamlined and futuristic appearance for the Patriot, incorporating modern materials and a distinct visual aesthetic.
Continue reading Eye On Design: Norman Bel Geddes, Patriot Radio
Photos By Gail
In 1938, Salvador Dali created Téléphone-homard (Lobster Telephone) by uniting a working Bakelite telephone with a plastic lobster.
Continue reading Modern Art Monday Presents: Salvador Dali, Lobster Telephone
Photos By Gail
This Red Bead Necklace (beads and chain links) was crafted from Bakelite cellulose acetate, with a metal clasp, and attributed to an unknown American designer. In the twentieth century, plastic manufacturing transformed the American jewelry industry and allowed for the production of fashionable yet affordable pieces. This chain link and cube bead necklace represents a style that was especially popular during the Depression era and the early 1940s.
Photographed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.