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.
- Manhattan Cocktail Service, 1935
- chrome-plated brass.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.29a/i.2015
- This object was made by Revere Copper and Brass Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- 3920 Vanity, 1939
- east indian laurel, sequoia burl, oak, acrylic, brass, patinated steel,....
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-19-a/d
- 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.
- Saturn Punch Bowl With Cups And Tray, ca. 1935
- spun aluminum, wood.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.11a/cc.2015
- This object was made by Wright Accessories.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 4 images of this object.
- 4743 Stereo Cabinet, Designed 1946, manufactured ca. 1955
- combed oak, lacquered wood, glass, molded plastic, aluminum, linen.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.26a/c.2015
- This object was made by Herman Miller Furniture Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- IN-50 Coffee Table, Designed 1944
- polished plate-glass, stained birch.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.19a/c.2015
- 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.
- RR-126 Stereo Cabinet, 1965
- chipboard, plastic laminate, perspex, aluminum.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.75a/c.2015
- This object was made by Brionvega, S.p.A..
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- Pitcher, 1963
- blown and cased glass (inciso), silver-plated brass.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-20-a,b
- This object was made by Christofle and Venini Glassworks.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- Pepper Shaker, Designed 1935
- polished 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 3 images of this object.
- Price Tower Stool, 1956
- copper, woven textile.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.35a,b.2015
- This object was made by Heritage-Henredon Furniture Co..
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Pepper Shaker And Stopper, ca. 1935
- rolled and pierced stainless steel.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-26-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.
- Sugar Bowl With Lid, ca. 1902
- molded and glazed porcelain with silver overlay.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.22a,b.2015
- This object was made by Wiener Werkstätte and Wiener Porzellan Josef Böck.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Nefertiti Teapot, ca. 1981
- molded, glazed and enameled earthenware.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.30a,b.2015
- This object was made by Flavia S.r.L., and Memphis.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Salt Shaker, Designed 1935
- polished aluminum.
- 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 3 images of this object.
- Black ST201 Television Set With Case, 1969
- acrylic, metal, plastic.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-22-a,b
- This object was made by Brionvega, S.p.A..
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- Tavola Rotonda Rossa Centerpiece, 2003
- cast pewter, murano glass.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.72a,b.2015
- This object was made by Serafino Zani.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Salt Shaker And Stopper, ca. 1935
- rolled and pierced stainless steel.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-25-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.
- Tricorne and Streamline Tableware, 1934
- molded and glazed earthenware.
- Gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 2016-5-1/9
- This object was made by Salem China Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- Pillola Suite Of Lamps, 1968
- molded methacrylate, plastic and acrylic.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.78/82.2015
- This object was made by Nai Ponteur.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- ET Personal 55 Portable Typewriter, 1985-1986
- molded abs polymer, metal.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.97.2015
- This object was made by Ing. C. Olivetti & C. S.p.A..
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- Casserole, 1960
- enameled cast iron, teak.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.77.2015
- This object was made by Oy W. Rosenlew Ab.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- Tongue Chair, 1967
- tubular steel frame, rubber belts, foam rubber, nylon-jersey covering.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.74.2015
- This object was made by Artifort.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- 900 Tea Cart, 1937
- birchwood, plywood with white paint, wicker, ceramic tile.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.73.2015
- This object was made by Artek and Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas AB.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- A331 Hanging Lamp, 1953
- enameled aluminum, pierced brass.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.66.2015
- This object was made by Valaistustyö Ky.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Waterwitch model MB 571.11 Outboard Motor, ca. 1937
- cast aluminum, steel, brass, molded rubber.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.65.2015
- This object was made by Kissel Motor Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 5 images of this object.
- Kitchen Tools, ca. 1934
- chrome-plated steel, steel wire, painted wood.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.60/63.2015
- This object was made by Washburn Company, Worcester, Massachusetts.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- 4658 Desk, 1946
- walnut veneer on pine, tubular steel, leather, perforated sheet aluminum.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.55.2015
- 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.
- Chair, 1940
- molded and spliced plywood, turned and veneered honduran mahogany, foam....
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.54.2015
- This object was made by Haskelite Manufacturing Corporation and Heywood-Wakefield Co..
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- Prototype Radio Enclosure, Designed 1946
- bent walnut plywood with lacquered details.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.53.2015
- This object was made by Evans Products Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- 547 Radio, 1940
- molded bakelite, metal.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.52.2015
- This object was made by Phonola.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- 1044-A Armchair, ca. 1935
- spun aluminum, anodized aluminum, vinyl.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.51.2015
- This object was made by Warren McArthur Corporation.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Vase, ca. 1935
- spun aluminum.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.50.2015
- This object was made by Wright Accessories and Russel Wright.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Z Clock, 1934
- bent chrome-plated tubular brass, enameled brass, plate glass.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.48.2015
- This object was made by Herman Miller Clock Company.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Chaise Longue, 1950-52
- oak (frame), woven oak strips.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.47.2015
- This object was made by Fullbright Industries.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
- Efira Bowl, 1986
- blown glass, sheet glass, brass wire.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.46.2015
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 3 images of this object.
- Empire State Cigarette Lighter, ca. 1931
- cast aluminum.
- Promised gift of George R. Kravis II.
- 7065.45.2015
- This object was made by Unknown.
- This object is part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts collection.
- There are 2 images of this object.
