Skip Navigation
Contents of Case 17: 132 objects

Contemporary Design

Although the Brooklyn Museum held several groundbreaking exhibitions of contemporary industrial design beginning in the 1930s, it was not until after the mid-twentieth century that the Museum began to build a permanent collection of industrial design. Those early exhibitions were probably considered educational, and the objects too new to be included in a historical collection. Today, however, the Museum actively collects contemporary design through purchases, gifts from collectors, and direct solicitation from manufacturers.

As an art museum rather than a museum of technology, the Brooklyn Museum collects contemporary objects on their aesthetic merit. The beautiful red glass Pyrex iron (1992.167) is actually too heavy to have been popular with housewives, and the sleek Predicta television (1998.44) was plagued by technical problems. Because of space limitations, relatively few contemporary objects can be placed on exhibition on the fourth floor, which is largely devoted to decorative arts, and we have therefore included many works of industrial design here in the Visible Storage Study Center.

Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf A (Contemporary Design)
2001.12.21 Lurelle Guild
Charger ca. 1930

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf B (Contemporary Design)
1993.110.1a-d Michael A. Cousins
"Space Tel" Telephone Designed 1984; Manufactured 1985

View object details...
1993.110.2 Michael A. Cousins
"Magic Stat" Thermostat ca. 1989

View object details...
1993.110.3 Michael A. Cousins
"Pro Max Compact" Hair Dryer Designed 1977; Manufactured 1978

View object details...
1998.143.2 Clarence Karstadt
Silvertone Turbine Radio, Model 6110 1938

View object details...
2004.93.1 Scott Henderson, Smart Design
Signature Thermal Carafe Designed 2002

View object details...
2004.96.1 TODA (The Office of Design and Architecture)
"Uplift" Tea Kettle designed 1998

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf C (Contemporary Design)
82.114a-g Manning Bowman and Co.
Tea Kettle on Stand ca. 1935

View object details...
84.124.14 American
Dinner Plate, "Manhattan" Pattern ca. 1938-1941

View object details...
85.163.3 Theodore Hess
Mug ca. 1937

View object details...
85.163.4 Theodore Hess
Mug ca. 1937

View object details...
84.124.15 Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Salad Plate, "Manhattan" Pattern ca. 1938-1941

View object details...
84.124.16 Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Bread and Butter Dish, "Manhattan" Pattern ca. 1938-1941

View object details...
84.124.17 Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Soup or Serving Bowl, "Manhattan" Pattern ca. 1938-1941

View object details...
84.124.18 Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Dessert Bowl, "Manhattan" Pattern ca. 1938-1941

View object details...
84.124.19 Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Finger Bowl (?), "Manhattan" Pattern ca. 1938-1941

View object details...
84.124.20 Anchor Hocking Glass Company
Cocktail Glass, "Manhattan" Pattern ca. 1938-1941

View object details...
2004.93.2 Scott Henderson, Smart Design
Bowl

View object details...
2004.93.3 Scott Henderson, Smart Design
Mini Twist Bowl Designed 2002

View object details...
2004.93.4 Scott Henderson, Smart Design
Chip 'N Dip Bowl Designed 2001

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf D (Contemporary Design)
85.10 Maija Grotell
Vase ca. 1951

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf E (Contemporary Design)
1994.205.9 Viveca Heino
Vase 1955-1960

View object details...
2011.81 Gertrud Natzler
Footed Bowl ca. 1958

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf F (Contemporary Design)
72.40.25 Cowan Pottery
Vase ca. 1930

View object details...
74.1.2 American
Bowl ca. 1924

View object details...
87.20 Mrs. M.E. Chichester
Bowl ca. 1916

View object details...
1992.92.10 Peter Shire
Peach Cup ca. 1980

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf G (Contemporary Design)
81.113.2 James Prestini
Bowl ca. 1943-1953

View object details...
81.113.3 James Prestini
Bowl ca. 1943-1953

View object details...
81.113.4 James Prestini
Vase ca. 1943-1953

View object details...
81.113.7 James Prestini
Bowl ca. 1943-1953

View object details...
81.113.8 James Prestini
Tray ca. 1943-1953

View object details...
81.113.9 James Prestini
Bowl ca. 1943-1953

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf H (Contemporary Design)
82.168.1 Walter Dorwin Teague
Desk Lamp, Model #114 ca. 1939

View object details...
1992.154 Peter Voulkos
Plate 1980

View object details...
1999.141.9 Donald Deskey
Table Lamp 1927-1931

View object details...
2006.55 Harry Allen
Kila Lamp 2005

View object details...
2007.8 Jay Moulding
Lantern ca. 1955

View object details...
2008.58.13 Unknown
Table Lamp ca. 1934

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf I (Contemporary Design)
74.192.2 Robert Sonneman Associates, Inc.
Desk Lamp ca. 1970

View object details...
84.6 Polaroid Corporation
Table Lamp mid 1930s

View object details...
84.125 Kurt Versen
Table Lamp ca. 1930

View object details...
1992.165.2 Russel Wright
Lantern ca. 1935

View object details...
2000.104a-e Harry Allen
Plato Wall Sconce Designed 1998

View object details...
2010.15.3a-c Yves Behar
Leaf Lamp Designed: 2006; Manufactured: June 22 2009.

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf J (Contemporary Design)
82.168.2a-b Walter Kidde Sales Co.
Seltzer Bottle design introduced 1938

View object details...
88.67 Isamu Noguchi
Radio Nurse Designed in 1937. ca. 1938

View object details...
1990.194.7a-b Reuben Haley
Covered Box, "Ruba Rombic" ca. 1928

View object details...
1992.247a-g Russel Wright
Tantalus Decanter Set: Holder, Two Decanters, Two Caps, Lock, Key ca. 1930

View object details...
1994.109.1a-c George Howe
Inkstand and Calendar ca. 1931

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf K (Contemporary Design)
84.276a-b Louis V. Aronson
Cigarette Lighter, "Ronson Touch-Tip" ca. 1935

View object details...
85.110 Paul T. Frankl
Clock late 1920s

View object details...
85.158.4 Russel Wright
Tray, from Four-Piece Corn Set mid 1930s

View object details...
85.158.5 Russel Wright
Butter Pitcher, from Four-piece Corn Set mid 1930s

View object details...
85.158.6a-b Russel Wright
Salt Shaker, from Four-piece Corn Set mid 1930s

View object details...
85.158.7a-b Russel Wright
Pepper Shaker, from Four-piece Corn Set mid 1930s

View object details...
1994.156.4 Walter von Nessen
Cat Bookend, One of Pair 1930-1935

View object details...
1994.156.5 Walter von Nessen
Cat Bookend, One of Pair 1930-1935

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf L (Contemporary Design)
72.18a Ingraham Company
Camera, No. 1A Gift Kodak ca.1930

View object details...
72.18c-d Ingraham Company
Box with Lid ca. 1930

View object details...
84.67 Peter Muller-Munk
"Normandie" Pitcher ca. 1935

View object details...
85.74 Edward P. Schreyer
"Petipoint" Iron, Model #W410 ca. 1941

View object details...
85.160.3 Harry Bertoia
Vase 1937-1938

View object details...
X908a-c Stile Craft Manufacturers, Inc.
Pencil Sharpener, "Electro-Pointer" ca. 1930

View object details...
2000.5.1 Glen Lukens
Bowl ca. 1960

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf M (Contemporary Design)
83.105.1 National Silver Company
Dinner Fork ca. 1935

View object details...
1992.165.4 Frederick Carder
Fork ca. 1930

View object details...
1992.165.5 Walter Dorwin Teague
Spoon ca. 1930

View object details...
83.108.15 Norman Bel Geddes
"Manhattan" Candlestick, One of a Pair 1937

View object details...
83.108.16 Norman Bel Geddes
"Manhattan" Candlestick, One of a Pair 1937

View object details...
2003.56.1 Sol LeWitt
Drinking Glass, One of a Set of Four 2002

View object details...
2003.56.2 Sol LeWitt
Drinking Glass, One of a Set of Four 2002

View object details...
2003.56.3 Sol LeWitt
Drinking Glass, One of a Set of Four 2002

View object details...
2003.56.4 Sol LeWitt
Drinking Glass, One of a Set of Four 2002

View object details...
2003.70.1 James Amster
Candle Holder, One of Pair ca. 1930

View object details...
2003.70.2 James Amster
Candle Holder, One of Pair ca. 1930

View object details...
83.105.2 National Silver Company
Dinner Knife ca. 1935

View object details...
83.105.3 National Silver Company
Soup spoon ca. 1935

View object details...
83.105.4 National Silver Company
Teaspoon ca. 1935

View object details...
83.105.5 National Silver Company
Dessert Spoon ca. 1935

View object details...
83.105.6 National Silver Company
Butter Knife ca. 1935

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf N (Contemporary Design)
84.124.6 Russel Wright
Stem Glass, "Theme Formal Ware" ca. 1963

View object details...
85.109.1a-d Russel Wright
Four-Piece Flatware Setting ca. 1950-1958

View object details...
85.158.24 Robert Venturi
Glass ca. 1985

View object details...
85.158.25 Robert Venturi
Glass ca. 1985

View object details...
85.158.26 Robert Venturi
Glass ca. 1985

View object details...
87.22.1 Unknown
Candlestick, One of Pair ca. 1935

View object details...
87.22.2 Unknown
Candlestick, One of Pair ca. 1935

View object details...
1990.149 Unknown
Ash Tray ca. 1935

View object details...
1990.188.1 A.H. Heisey & Company
Water Glass ca. 1930

View object details...
1990.188.3 A.H. Heisey & Company
Wine Glass ca. 1930

View object details...
1990.188.4 A.H. Heisey & Company
Liquer Glass ca. 1930

View object details...
1991.93.1 Izabel Lam
Knife from a 5 Piece Place Setting, Sphere Pattern ca. 1990

View object details...
1991.93.2 Izabel Lam
Dinner Fork from a 5 Piece Place Setting, Sphere Pattern ca. 1990

View object details...
1991.93.3 Izabel Lam
Salad Fork from a 5 Piece Place Setting, Sphere Pattern ca. 1990

View object details...
1991.93.4 Izabel Lam
Soup Spoon from a 5 Piece Place Setting, Sphere Pattern ca. 1990

View object details...
1991.93.5 Izabel Lam
Teaspoon from a 5 Piece Place Setting, Sphere Pattern ca. 1990

View object details...
1992.41 Reed & Barton
Footed Bowl ca. 1931

View object details...
83.108.114 Russel Wright
Stem Glass, "Theme Formal Ware" 1963

View object details...
1994.117.3 Lenox Incorporated
Vase ca. 1930

View object details...
1994.165.72 Russel Wright
Glass, "Theme Formal Ware" Designed and Manufactured 1963

View object details...
1995.16.15 Boris Bally
Knife, Tablewear Series Designed and made 1987

View object details...
1995.16.16 Boris Bally
Fork, Tablewear Series Designed and made 1987

View object details...
1995.16.17 Boris Bally
Spoon, Tablewear Series Designed and made 1987

View object details...
1995.16.18 Boris Bally
Spoon, Tablewear Series Designed and made 1987

View object details...
1995.17 Paul J. Stankard
Paperweight Designed and made 1994-1995

View object details...
1995.59 Boris Bally
Point and Shoot, Wearable Finger Fork ca. 1982

View object details...
1999.103.23 Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, 1903-2011
Vase

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf O (Contemporary Design)
72.40.5 Walter Dorwin Teague
Vase ca.1933

View object details...
72.40.6 Walter Dorwin Teague
Audubon Plate ca. 1933

View object details...
72.40.18a-b Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, 1903-2011
Sherbet Glass and Plate, "St. Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting ca.1933

View object details...
72.40.20 Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, 1903-2011
Wine Glass, "St. Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting ca.1933

View object details...
72.40.21 Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, 1903-2011
Goblet, "St. Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting ca. 1933

View object details...
72.40.22 Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, 1903-2011
Goblet, "St Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting ca. 1933

View object details...
72.40.23 Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, 1903-2011
Plate, "St. Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting ca. 1933

View object details...
72.40.24 Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, 1903-2011
Double Old Fashioned Glass, "St Tropez," Part of Nine-Piece Setting ca.1933

View object details...
77.190.1a-b Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, 1903-2011
Decanter and Stopper ca. 1940

View object details...
77.190.3a-b Donald Russell
Cocktail Shaker and Stopper ca. 1941

View object details...
1990.194.1 Frederick Carder
Goblet ca. 1934

View object details...
1990.194.2 Frederick Carder
Champagne Glass ca. 1934

View object details...
1990.194.3 Frederick Carder
White Wine Glass ca. 1934

View object details...
1990.194.4 Frederick Carder
Dessert Plate ca. 1934

View object details...
1990.194.5 Frederick Carder
Bowl ca. 1934

View object details...
2010.14.1 Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, 1903-2011
Teardrop Candlestick, model 7792 Designed 1937, manufactured 1937-2002

View object details...
2010.14.2 Steuben Glass, a division of Corning Glass Works, 1903-2011
Teardrop Candlestick, model 7792 Designed 1937, manufactured 1937-2002

View object details...
Visible Storage: Case 17, Shelf P (Contemporary Design)
86.15a-f Lurelle Guild
Vacuum Cleaner ca. 1937

View object details...
1994.165.80 Unknown
Magazine Holder ca. 1930

View object details...
1995.14 John Vassos
RCA Victor Special Model K, Portable Electric Phonograph ca. 1935

View object details...
1998.143.1 Harold L. van Doren
Sentinel Scale 1930-1940

View object details...
1998.184 John Gordon Rideout
Water Kettle ca. 1940

View object details...
1999.51.1 Karim Rashid
Multi-purpose Container, "Garbino" Copyright 1997

View object details...
1999.51.2 Karim Rashid
Multi-purpose Container, "Garbo" Copyright 1996

View object details...