Virgil Exner (1909 – 1973) American Industrial Designer
Simon
Advertisements
Virgil Exner (1909 – 1973) is most known for his opulent ‘dream vehicles’ and sculptural experiments in space-age tail fin designs for the Chrysler Corporation in the years following WWII.
Education
In 1926–7, he briefly attended painting school at the University of Notre Dame before working on commercials for the Studebaker Company.
Biography
He was hired to work in the Pontiac design lab after coming to the attention of Harley Earl at General Motors. Later, in 1938, he worked for Raymond Loewy’s design consultant on Studebaker cars, particularly the 1947 Starlight coupé. Loewy received the majority of the critical accolades.
“That variety makes wood a wonderful medium for individual craftsmanship. Long established skills enable us to utilise its special properties, and its potential is evolving as we research new possibilities.”
Exner joined Chrysler’s Advanced Styling Studio in 1949 and worked on a series of ‘concept vehicles,’ including the K310, Dodge Firearrow, DeSoto Adventurer, and Plymouth XNR, all of which were built by Ghia coachbuilders in Italy.
Read More on Virgil Exner
In truth, Exner shifted Chrysler’s design approach away from one dominated by body engineers, transforming the company’s automobiles from boxlike constructions to long, low, attractive machines. Exner’s aesthetic was defined by using enlarged tail fins, which he referred to as the ‘Forward Look.’ This, together with a series of technological advancements, led to a considerable increase in Chrysler’s market share and his appointment as vice president of styling in 1957, the same year he and his design team received the Industrial Designers’ Institute’s Gold Medal award.
Exner’s strict control of the clay modelling studio and insistence on having an ultimate say in the approval of die models was one of the reasons for the powerfully sculpted feel of many of these designs. Exner believed that his most significant contribution at Chrysler was not his corporate designs but how he revolutionised the styling organisation.
In 1962, he quit Chrysler and founded his industrial design firm in Michigan. He worked on various projects for the Buehler Corporation, including leisure boats, proposals for a classic Duesenberg revival, and designs for Stutz, Packard & Mercer.
The BauhausFuld Telephone, designed in 1928, embodies modernist principles through its materials, functionality, and impact on design, reflecting the era's cultural and technological shifts.
Richard Sapper, born in 1932, blended diverse knowledge to shape iconic designs like the Tizio lamp and the ThinkPad laptop, leaving a lasting impact on …
Achille Castiglioni, an iconic figure in modern design, created inventive, playful, and functional designs celebrated for their timeless appeal and influence on the design world.
Cinelli, an Italian cycling icon, embodies innovation and craftsmanship. From pioneering designs and collaborations to cultural impact, its journey reflects continuous excellence and influence.
The Willys-Knight "70-B" exemplifies 1920s automotive artistry with its innovative design, advanced engineering, affordability, and rugged reliability in challenging terrains.
The Tamagotchi, a compact virtual pet, symbolizes Japan's love for miniaturized technology and emotional design, leaving a lasting legacy in interactive art and wearable technology.
Enzo Bioli, an influential Italian designer, crafted ceramic vases and furniture with a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics, leaving a lasting impact on design …
Neal Small, the "Prince of Plastic," revolutionized design by creatively using unconventional materials, leading to iconic lighting and conceptual sculpture. His legacy continues to inspire.
The electric guitar embodies a harmonious blend of form and function, with a rich history of innovation and a modern focus on sustainability and circular …
Robert Brunner, an influential figure in industrial design, co-founded Lunar Design, shaped Apple's design principles, and established Ammunition Group, emphasizing human-centric design philosophy.
The article explores industrial design's historical significance, the role of designers, the design process, and the future focus on sustainability and innovation in shaping our …
Masayuki Kurokawa, a pioneering figure in architecture and design, left a monumental imprint on modern design with his innovative and harmonious creations.
Jacob Jensen, a Danish design pioneer, revolutionized industrial design with minimalist aesthetics and innovative functionality. His work left a lasting impact on Bang & Olufsen …
Roberto Menghi, an influential Italian designer, left a lasting legacy in architecture and industrial design through his innovative, user-centric approach. His work continues to inspire.
Bialetti's century-long journey from workshop to global presence embodies Italian innovation, quality, and love for coffee, showcased through iconic products and sustainable commitment.
Lurelle Guild, a pioneering American designer, melded functionality with aesthetics, leaving an enduring impact on industrial design through iconic creations.
The AlessiMichael Graves 9096 Creamer embodies design innovation, blending cultural influences and craftsmanship. It's an iconic symbol of creativity and transformation.
Matali Crasset, a French designer influenced by her rural upbringing, creates conceptual and innovative designs, defying classification, and embracing unexpected solutions.
Julien Hébert, a Quebec-born artist, blended philosophy, comics, and industrial design, leaving a lasting mark with iconic creations like the Expo 67 logo.