American Designers 🇺🇸 (Page 7)

The fabric of American design is interwoven with the diverse threads of applied and decorative arts, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural narratives and innovative spirits. American designers have carved a distinctive niche in this realm, marrying functionality with aesthetic allure, from the streamlined elegance of mid-century modern furniture to the bold geometries of contemporary textiles. Their contributions stand as testimonies to the ever-evolving American ethos, encapsulating the pioneering pursuit of beauty fused with utility. This pursuit is evident in the iconic works of designers like Charles and Ray Eames, whose furnishings redefined ergonomic design, or in the glass artistry of Dale Chihuly, whose sculptural pieces refract the American narrative through a kaleidoscope of colour and form. As custodians of tradition and ambassadors of innovation, American designers in the applied and decorative arts continue to shape the domestic and international design landscapes, ensuring that functionality and artistry remain inseparable companions in the objects that populate our lives.

Vladimir Kagan featured image

Vladimir Kagan was a German furniture designer who was active in New York and studied architecture at Columbia University. He was known for his form and Asian undercurrent, and experimented with rubber products to build comfort into tight seat and back upholstery.Read More →

Cadillac Eldorado 1959 Pink

The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado is a Gothic monument symbolizing America’s fading nationalistic high in the 1950s, featuring iconic fins and luxurious interior. (24 words)Read More →

Armchair, 1907 - 1913 designed by Gustav Stickley

The term mission furniture was first popularized by Joseph P. McHugh of New York, a furniture manufacturer and retailer. The word mission references the Spanish missions throughout colonial California. The style became increasingly popular following the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo.Read More →

Addition to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, New York, Scale model

He was the son of American painter Robert Gwathmey and photographer Rosalie Gwathmey, and was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. Charles Gwathmey studied architecture at the University of Pennsylvania. Read More →

Ergon Chair by Bill Stumpf

In 1976, the Ergon chair was introduced by Bill Stumpf, a designer for Herman Miller. It had a foam-filled back and seat, gas-lift levers to change the height and tilt. The Ergon was based on the new science of ergonomics, first used to design aeroplane cockpits.Read More →

Installation view of the exhibition, _Organic Design in Home Furnishings_

Eliot Noyes (1910 – 1977) was an industrial designer from the United States. From 1928 to 1932, he studied architecture at Harvard University, followed by stints at the Graduate School of Design from 1932 to 1935 and 1937 to 1938. Read More →

Soda Dispenser - John Vassos featured image

John Vassos, a Greek artist and designer, created innovative designs for Coca-Cola and RCA, applying psychology to marketing and receiving patents for various inventions.
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The American Union of Decorative Artists and Craftsmen (AUDAC) was formed in 1930, promoting modern decorative art with two exhibitions in New York.Read More →

Pennino Retro Citrine Spray

Pennino Retro Citrine Spray: American costume jewelry firm in New York, active 1926-1961. Known for Zodiac-themed designs and nature-inspired pieces in vibrant colors. Closed in 1961.Read More →

Pilgrim Bottle by Isaac Elwood Scott in Apostles of Beauty

Isaac Elwood Scott (1845-1920) was a talented American furniture designer, woodcarver, and ceramicist active in Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, and Boston. He gained recognition for his skilled woodcarving.Read More →