New materials enabled new approaches to designing everyday objects.
1900 - 1980
videos + essays
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American brilliance at the St. Louis World’s Fair: Libbey’s Punch Bowl
This dazzling, prismatic, brilliant cut glass creates a universe of pattern and reflection.
Connecticut Klan robe
Artifacts like this are key for reminding us of a history of racism that is all too easy to forget.
Glass Chair at the 1939 New York World’s Fair
A single piece of glass composes most of this chair, and its sleek design upends traditional furniture design.
Russel Wright, “American Modern” Pitchers
Pour a little out for the proletariat: the Robin Hood of earthenware pitchers brought modern design to the people.