A traveling exhibition featuring the work of American industrial designers recognized by the U.S. Postal Service in a new series of Forever stamps will open at the Smithsonian Castle in Washington, D.C. Nov. 15. "Stamps of Approval" includes nine objects from the collection of George R. Kravis II, which helped shaped the look of everyday life in the 20th century.
Organized by the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum with the Philbrook Museum of Art, the exhibition was on view at Cooper-Hewitt in New York and will continue on to the Philbrook Museum of Art next year.
"The groundbreaking work of these industrial designers transformed the look of homes and offices across the country," said Caroline Baumann, associate director of the museum. "Following the successful stamp dedication ceremony at Cooper-Hewitt earlier this spring, this exhibition further celebrates the integral role these industrial designers played in American manufacturing and daily life."
Industrial design emerged as a profession in the United States in the 1920s, and gained prominence during the Great Depression. The streamlined objects created by the designers of this period are characterized by horizontal lines and rounded shapes that evoked a sense of speed and efficiency and projected an image of progress and affluence. Modern design became still more popular after World War II, when manufactures again turned to industrial designers to focus on mass production for the American consumer.
The exhibition will be on view 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily in the Schermer Hall through April 29, 2012.