Wilson, Kristina.

Livable modernism : interior decorating and design during the Great Depression / Kristina Wilson.

New Haven : Yale University Press, in association with the Yale University Art Gallery, ©2004.

xiii, 154 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 27 cm

"During the years of the Great Depression in America, modernist designers developed products and lifestyle concepts intended for middle-class, not elite, consumers. In this fascinating book, [the author] coins the term 'livable modernism' to describe this school of design. Livable modernism combined international style functional efficiency and sophistication with a respect for American consumers' desires for physical and psychological comfort, paving the way for the work of Charles and Ray Eames and other post-World War II designers. [The author] offers a new view of modernist furnishings marketed for middle-class living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms of the 1930s, and provides groundbreaking analyses of many of the most popular items, including George Sakier's stemware for the Fostoria Glass Company, Russel Wrights' American modern furniture for Macy's, and Gilbert Rohde's clocks for the Herman Miller Clock Company. As the first study of the marketing of modern design during the Depression years, [this book] features an extensive array of vintage advertisements from such magazines as 'Better Homes and Gardens', 'House Beautiful', 'Ladies' Home Journal', and the 'Saturday Evening Post'. [The author] discusses the relation of modernism to the cultural and economic climate of the Depression and examines the sophisticated marketing strategies of the movement that coincided with a period of tremendous growth for print magazines and the advertising industry. Filled with fresh insights into a fascinating period in American modern design, this book provides an important new look at these designers' and design companies' philosophies, innovations, and influence that until now have been under-appreciated"--Bookjacket.

0300104758 (hardcover ; alk. paper)
9780300104752 (hardcover ; alk. paper)

Design United States History 20th century.
Interior decoration United States History 20th century.
Modernism (Aesthetics) United States.
Interior decoration United States History 20th century Exhibitions.
Modernism (Aesthetics) United States Exhibitions.
Design États-Unis Histoire 20e siècle Expositions.
Décoration intérieure États-Unis Histoire 20e siècle Expositions.
Modernisme (Esthétique) États-Unis Expositions.
Design États-Unis Histoire 20e siècle.
Décoration intérieure États-Unis Histoire 20e siècle.
Modernisme (Esthétique) États-Unis.
Design
Interior decoration
Modernism (Aesthetics)
Innenarchitektur
United States
USA

Exhibition catalogs
History
Books.
Katalog.

Yale University. Art Gallery.

Location: Library main 232813
Call No.: NK1404 .W55 2004
Status: Available