“Energizing the Everyday recognizes the collecting vision of Kravis and its synergy with Cooper Hewitt’s broad and diverse collection of modern and contemporary design. An early interest in records and a background in broadcasting inform Kravis’ enthusiasm for and knowledge of radios, televisions and technology. As Kravis’ 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 the United States, Europe and Asia. This exhibition features highlights of the Kravis collection dating from the early 20th century to the present. From lighting and furniture to tableware, textiles and office equipment, the exhibition makes visual and material connections across time and geography.” — Cooper Hewitt
Installation view of Energizing the Everyday: Gifts from the George R. Kravis II Collection. Photo by Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution.
Drawing, Interior, Ca. 1950. Designed by Mathieu Matgot (Hungarian and French, 1910-2001). France. Gouache, ink, collage on paper, 47 x 72.4 cm (18 1/2 *x 28 1/2 in.). Promised gift of George R. Kravis II. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Vanity Model 3920, 1939. Designed by Gilbert Rohde (American, 1894-1944). Manufactured by Herman Miller Furniture Company (Zeeland, Michigan, USA). East Indian laurel, Sequoia burl, oak, acrylic, brass, patinated steel, leather, mirrored glass. H x W x D: 127 x 127 x 43.2 cm (50 x 50 x 17 in.). Gift of George R. Kravis II, 2016 5 19 a/d. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Patriot Radio, 1940. Designed by Norman Bel Geddes (American, 1893-1958). Manufactured by Emerson Radio and Phonograph Corp. (New York, New York, USA). Cast phenolic plastic (Catalin), molded urea plastic, molded cellulose acetate, embossed acetate, metal. H x W x D: 20.3 x 27.9 x 14 cm (8 in. x 11 in. x 5 1/2 in.). Gift of George R. Kravis II, 2014 10 1. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Poster, Post Office Underground Mail Train: London, 1935. Designed by Lili Rthi (American, born Austria, 1894-1969). London, England. Offset Lithograph on paper. 102 x 126.5 cm (40 3/16 x 49 13/16 in.). Promised gift of George R. Kravis II. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Poster, America’s Answer! Production, 1942. Designed by Jean Carlu (French, active United States, 1900-1997). Printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office. Published by the Office of Emergency Management (USA). Offset lithograph on paper. 76.2 x 101.6 cm (30 x 40 in.). Promised gift of George R. Kravis II. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Triangles Textile, 1952. Designed by Alexander Hayden Girard (American, 1907-1993). Manufactured by Herman Miller. Textiles (Zeeland, Michigan, USA). Screen-printed linen. Warp x Weft (A): 146.1 x 120 cm (57 1/2 x 47 1/4 in.); Warp x Weft (B): 146.1 x 116.2 cm (57 1/2 x 45 3/4 in.). Gift of George R. Kravis II, 2016 5 28. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Clock, 1934. Designed by Gilbert Rohde (American, 1894-1944). Manufactured by Herman Miller Clock Company (Zeeland, Michigan, USA). Bent chrome plated tubular brass, enameled brass, plate glass. H x W x D: 30.5 x 32 x 9 cm (12 in. x 12 5/8 in. x 3 9/16 in.). Promised gift of George R. Kravis II. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Normandie Pitcher, 1935. Designed by Peter Miller Munk (American, born Germany, 1904-1967). Manufactured by Revere Copper and Brass Company (Rome, New York, USA). Bent and joined chromium plated sheet brass. H x W x D: 30.4 x 24.4 x 7.7 cm (11 15/16 x 9 5/8 x 3 1/16 in.). Gift of George R. Kravis II, 2014 25 2. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Waterwitch Model MB 571.11 Outboard Motor, Ca. 1937. Designed by John Richard Morgan (American, born Canada, 1903-1986). Manufactured by Kissel Motor Company (Hartford, Wisconsin, USA). Distributed by Sears, Roebuck and Co. (Chicago, Illinois, USA). Cast aluminum, steel, brass, molded rubber. H x W x D: 93.5 x 40.5 x 55.5 cm (36 13/16 x 15 15/16 x 21 7/8 in.). Promised gift of George R. Kravis II. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Armchair, 1976. Designed by Shiro Kuramata (Japanese, 1934-1991). Manufactured by Mihoya Glass Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan).
Assembled laminated plate glass. H x W x D: 86.4 x 90.2 x 61 cm (34 in. x 35 1/2 in. x 24 in.). Promised gift of George R. Kravis II. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Braniff Airways Model 66310 Armchair, Ca. 1968. Designed by Alexander Hayden Girard (American, 1907-1993) for Braniff International Airways. Manufactured by Herman Miller Furniture Company (Zeeland, Michigan, USA). Woven textile upholstery of cotton (46%), wool (33%), and nylon (21%), with vinyl, urethane foam, latex foam; molded plywood (body), cast aluminum (legs); H x W x D: 66 x 102.9 x 73.7 cm (26 in. x 40 1/2 in. x 29 in.). Gift of George R. Kravis II in honor of Caroline Baumann, 2013 37 1. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Efira Bowl, 1986. Designed by Ettore Sottsass (Italian, 1917-2007). Manufactured by Toso Vetri d’Arte for Memphis (Murano, Venice, Italy). Blown glass, sheet glass, brass wire. H x diam.: 48.3 x 33.7 cm (19 in. x 13 1/4 in.). Promised gift of George R. Kravis II. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Little Sun Solar-Powered Lantern, 2012. Designed by Olafur Eliasson (Danish, born 1967) and Frederik Ottesen. Manufactured by Little Sun (Berlin, Germany). Molded plastic, solar panel, LED. H x diam.: 4.4 x 12.1 cm (1 3/4 x 4 3/4 in.). Gift of George R. Kravis II, 2016 5 23. Photo: Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution
Photos by Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution. Courtesy Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
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