Collection by Miyoko Ohtake
Modern in the Making
It's easy to obsess over mid-century design and forget what came before it and ignore modernism's evolution during the six decades since. This week, Modern in the Making: Design 1900-2000 opens at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, and highlights the different forms "modern" has taken. From enamel vase to Michael Graves kitchenware, it's a tour not to be missed. Here, we offer a peek at what's on display, in chronological order.
Earthenware plate by the Société Céramique Masstricht circa 1925 in the Netherlands.
Silver plated footed Bowl by American designer Lurelle Guild in 1934 for the Aluminum Company of America in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.
Stoneware vase by Belgian designer Louis Randour circa 1935.
Maple, walnut veneer, maple veneer, and metal table by American designer Russel Wright circa 1965 for the Heywood-Wakefield Company in Gardner, Massachusetts.
Model 36 Lounge Chair made of laminated and solid beech, jute webbing, linen, and leather by Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson in 1936 for Firma Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Silver plated Double Vegetable Dish designed by Russian-born American designer Belle Kogan in 2936 for Reed and Barton in Taunton, Massachusetts.
Block-printed cotton textile panel by Hungarian-born American-based designer George Farkas circa 1948. Possibly manufactured by Spectrum.
Conversation line dinner set with aquarium, antenna, and music patterns by Lucha circa 1953 for the Flintridge China Company in Pasadena, California.
Fiberglass Floris Chair by German designer Günter Beltzig circa 1965.
Porcelain Big Dripper Coffeepot and Filter Holder by American designer Michael Graves in 1986 for Swid Powell in New York, New York.
Modern in the Making is on view at the Speed Art Museum through April 3, 2011.