See more objects with the tag circles, study, shapes, squares, triangles, geometric, wood, stacked.

Object Timeline

1986

  • Work on this object began.

2010

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2024

  • You found it!

Shape Study (USA)

This is a Shape study. It was designed by Ward Bennett. It is dated 1986 and we acquired it in 2010. Its medium is wood. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Ward Bennett became increasingly fascinated with simple geometric forms in the 1980s. This model is part of a group of prototype models in wood and plaster for ceramic forms such as vases and bowls. The models show a preoccupation with the juxtaposition of circles, half-circles, squares, and triangles, which is also found in Bennett’s decorative elements, lamp bases, and furniture. The stacked prototypes of the circle/square/triangle can be documented back to 1986 by dated photographs, shortly before Bennett became Design Director for the Geiger furniture company in 1987.
These prototypes are proposed for acquisition along with a selection of Bennett’s models for chairs and design and production process drawings for flatware. The design process materials under consideration would expand our understanding and collection of Bennett’s work. In addition, acquisitions involving material in one department that support holdings in other departments contribute to the strength of our permanent holdings.

This object was donated by David McCorkle. It is credited Gift of David McCorkle and Ernest Hood.

  • Drawing, Beaded Alphabet, B
  • pen and marker on paper.
  • Courtesy of R & Company, New York and The Haas Brothers, Los Angeles.
  • 76.2015.10
  • Drawing, Beaded Alphabet, C
  • pen and marker on paper.
  • Courtesy of R & Company, New York and The Haas Brothers, Los Angeles.
  • 76.2015.11

Our curators have highlighted 14 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Sample, Beaded Alphabet, F
  • acrylic beads, steel wire.
  • Courtesy of R & Company, New York and The Haas Brothers, Los Angeles.
  • 76.2015.20

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 8.9 x 5.1 x 5.1 cm (3 1/2 x 2 x 2 in.)

Cite this object as

Shape Study (USA); Designed by Ward Bennett (American, 1917–2003); wood; H x W x D: 8.9 x 5.1 x 5.1 cm (3 1/2 x 2 x 2 in.); Gift of David McCorkle and Ernest Hood; 2010-12-18

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18734885/ |title=Shape Study (USA) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>