![This drawn radio rendering is on black paper and minimal in color. The paper comprises the radio's color and rectangular body case. It also has rounded corners and is sitting on a surface indicated using white pencil marks. On the front right side of the radio is a large, white circular dial with numbers and decorative yellow accent around it. To the left is the speaker grate with continued yellow accent. Below the grate are two black knobs drawn in white to create highlights. Above the speaker is a logo reading [Philco] on the upper left. On the top right of radio are six small buttons in row and on the right side, a handle.]( https://images.collection.cooperhewitt.org/193435_5dbb9c86646216e1_b.jpg
"Drawing, Design for a Radio, 20th century")
Object Timeline
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Drawing, Design for a Radio, 20th century
This is a Drawing. It was designed by Alfons Bach and made for (as the client) Philco (Philadelphia Storage Battery Company). It is dated 20th century and we acquired it in 1993. Its medium is brush and watercolor, chalk on paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.
Bach’s presentation drawing of a radio design for Philco attracts the eye to the shining white details of the dial, speaker grill, and knobs, suggesting chrome accents. Using assembly-line manufacturing techniques, Philco made a modified version of this design in plastic; the company’s reputation for durability as well as this portable radio’s modern style attracted consumers.
It is credited Gift of Alfons Bach.
- Drawing, Book shelves
- yellow color pencil, brush and white gouache on black paper.
- Gift of Alfons and Anita S. Bach.
- 1998-71-5
![A drawing for a design for a radio showing the top front and right side of a white rectangular body with rounded corners on a horizontal orientation drawn on vellum. The body resembles a thick piece of bread and a car dashboard on the front. The front edges appear to have a shiny reflective finish employing white paint and three circular manual dials on the front; one large chrome face dominating the center featuring a central area that wears a gold metallic and chrome face highlighting a gridded pattern with a chrome dial and pointer attached to its center. The circular outer chrome edge of the face displays numbers of the tuner [55, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 140, 150] distributed on the upper and side curves with the maker’s name [CROSLEY] on the lower curve and two smaller dials flanking the larger face on both sides. A small red and white logo in the shape of a shield is located below the outer edge on the bottom. The vellum overlaps a piece of drawing paper whose central surface is marked with dark gray material that is visible through the vellum and creates a dramatic ground for the white radio. A stylized [A] is centered below the radio. The paper has old tape marks and ghosts of tape on its surface.](https://images.collection.cooperhewitt.org/138962_cf2810cfc493c35d_n.jpg "Drawing, Design for Tube Radio with Center Dial")
- Drawing, Design for Tube Radio with Center Dial
- pastel, some stencilled, brush and white gouache, on tracing paper.
- Museum purchase through the gift of Mrs. Edward C. Post.
- 1992-183-3
- Drawing, Chest, Vanity, Stool
- yellow, white color pencil, brush and white gouache, graphite on black paper.
- Gift of Alfons and Anita S. Bach.
- 1998-71-6
Our curators have highlighted 1 object that are related to this one.
- Drawing, Burlwood Chest
- brush and brown, white, red gouache, graphite on brown paper.
- Gift of Alfons and Anita S. Bach.
- 1998-71-10
Its dimensions are
H x W: 30.6 × 46 cm (12 1/16 × 18 1/8 in.) Mat: 40.6 × 55.9 cm (16 × 22 in.)
It is inscribed
Inscribed, upper left of radio: PHILCO
Cite this object as
Drawing, Design for a Radio, 20th century; Designed by Alfons Bach (American, b. Germany, 1904–1999); Client: Philco (Philadelphia Storage Battery Company) (United States); USA; brush and watercolor, chalk on paper; H x W: 30.6 × 46 cm (12 1/16 × 18 1/8 in.) Mat: 40.6 × 55.9 cm (16 × 22 in.); Gift of Alfons Bach; 1993-108-387
This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition The World of Radio.
