Energizing the Everyday: Gifts From the George R. Kravis II Collection
This exhibition was on display from April 28, 2016 to March 12, 2017.
There were 149 objects in this exhibition but right now we can only show you 143 of them. Some objects may not be viewable because they were on loan; this might be due to issues involving image rights or simply because there is no digitized image for the objects.
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Energizing the Everyday: Gifts From the George R. Kravis II Collection
Energizing the Everyday celebrates the collecting vision of George R. Kravis II and its synergy with Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum's broad and diverse collection of modern and contemporary design. An early interest in records and a background in broadcasting inform Kravis's enthusiasm for and knowledge of radios, televisions, and technology. As Kravis's passion for design grew, he expanded his collecting efforts beyond American electronic devices to include industrial design and furnishings for the home and office from America, Europe, and Asia. This exhibition showcases highlights of the Kravis collection dating from the early 20th century to the present. From industrial design and furniture to tableware and textiles, the exhibition makes visual and material connections across time and geography.
As a collector, Kravis is interested in the object's user, purpose, process, and manufacturing while also considering form and substance. The good design of these objects enhanced the day-to-day activities of the home and workplace, as well as during travel and leisure. The rigid geometry of Norman Bel Geddes's skyscraper-like ca.1931 Manhattan Cocktail Set, the humor of Cesare Cassati's and C. Emanuele Ponzio's 1968 Pillola Lamps, and the social concerns reflected in Olafur Eliasson's Little Sun Solar Powered LED Lantern of 2012 are among the many historic and contemporary themes enlivened in Energizing the Everyday.
- Drawing, Suggested Decorations for Implement Handles, for the Washburn Company
- graphite, yellow, red crayon on tracing paper.
- Gift of Industrial Designers Society of America.
- 2000-11-7
- This object is part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- New World Radio Radio
- catalin (thermosetting plastic), metal, textile materials.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2011-44-1
- This object was made by Colonial Radio Corporation.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 12 images and 1 video of this object.
- Tablecloth, Modern Spice
- cotton, viscose rayon.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2011-44-2
- This object was made by Simtex Mills.
- This object is part of the Textiles collection.
- Braniff Airways Model 66310 Armchair Chair
- vinyl, urethane foam, latex foam, plywood (body), aluminum (legs); cotton,....
- Gift of George R. Kravis II in honor of Caroline Baumann.
- 2013-37-1
- This object was made by Herman Miller Furniture Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 8 images of this object.
- Superleggera Chair
- turned, planed and joined ash, twill-woven cane.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2013-54-1
- This object was made by Cassina S.p.A.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Sugar Bowl Sugar Bowl
- nickel silver.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2013-54-2
- This object was made by Paye & Baker Manufacturing Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Creamer Creamer, ca. 1928
- nickel silver.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2013-54-3
- This object was made by Paye & Baker Manufacturing Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Patriot Radio
- cast phenolic resin (opalon), molded urea plastic, molded cellulose acetate,....
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2014-10-1
- This object was made by Emerson Radio and Phonograph Corp..
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Normandie Pitcher Pitcher
- chromium, brass.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2014-25-2
- This object was made by Revere Copper and Brass Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 8 images of this object.
- Skyway Salt and Pepper Shakers Salt And Pepper Shakers
- stamped and pierced chromium-plated steel, molded plastic.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2015-5-9-a/d
- This object was made by Chase Brass & Copper Co..
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Cheese Knife
- chromium-plated brass.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2015-5-10
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Grip Flashlight
- silicone rubber, led light source.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2012-20-1
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- One Laptop Per Child XO Computer
- injection molded abs plastic and polycarbonate, printed rubber, liquid....
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2015-5-8-a,b
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- Inkwell
- brass, glass.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-55
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Saturn Punch Service Punch Bowl, Cups, Trays
- aluminum, walnut.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-50-1/29
- This object was made by Wright Accessories.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- Clock With Kitchen Timer
- molded and glazed earthenware, glass, chrome-plated metal, painted metal,....
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-10
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Jug Jug
- stoneware.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-52
- This object was made by Reinhold Merkelbach.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 5 images of this object.
- T-3-C Tabel Lamp Table Lamp
- aluminum, stainless steel, enamel, cork.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-53
- This object was made by Heifetz Manufacturing Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- RCA Victor Special Phonograph Phonograph
- aluminum, chromium-plated steel, metal, plastic, felt, leather, velvet.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-11
- This object was made by Radio Corporation of America.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 8 images of this object.
- Embryo Chair Chair
- polished aluminum, molded polyurethane foam covered in neoprene.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-12
- This object was made by Idée.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Model 86T Rocking Stool Stool
- birch, chrome-plated steel.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-13
- This object was made by Knoll Textiles.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Model IN-50 Coffee Table Coffee Table
- glass, birch.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-54-a/c
- This object was made by Herman Miller Furniture Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Vase Vase
- cast and silver-plated metal.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-136
- This object was made by Walter Scherf & Co..
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Vase Vase
- cast and silver-plated metal.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-137
- This object was made by Walter Scherf & Co..
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Sugar Bowl With Lid
- molded and glazed porcelain with silver overlay.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-56-a,b
- This object was made by Wiener Werkstätte and Wiener Porzellan Josef Böck.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Armchair Armchair
- glass.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-58
- This object was made by Mihoya Glass Co., Ltd..
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Model 4743 Stereo Cabinet Stereo Cabinet
- oak, lacquer, glass, plastic, aluminum, linen.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-59-a/c
- This object was made by Herman Miller Furniture Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Manhattan Cocktail Service
- chrome-plated brass.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-61-a/i
- This object was made by Revere Copper and Brass Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Nefertiti Teapot Teapot
- earthenware.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-62-a.b
- This object was made by Flavia S.r.L., and Memphis.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Salt Shaker Shaker
- aluminum alloy.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-15-a,b
- This object was made by Revere Copper and Brass Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Pepper Shaker Shaker
- aluminum.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-16-a,b
- This object was made by Revere Copper and Brass Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Slice Armchair Armchair
- plywood.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-63
- This object was made by Mathias Bengtsson Studio.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Table from Price Tower, Bartlesville, Oklahoma Table
- copper, pine.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-64
- This object was made by Heritage-Henredon Furniture Co..
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Price Tower Stool
- copper, woven textile.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2018-22-65-a,b
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- Pair Of Door Handles
- nickel-plated brass mounted on painted wood.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-17
- This object was made by S.A. Loevy.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
