#russelwright

Some Like It Pink.

Russel Wright Pink is Perfect.

The restyled mug is all about the curve - the architecture.

The hand slips into the handle easily.

Hot Chocolate comes to mind . . .

Russel Wright designed Casual China for Casual Living.

Time to relax with a cup of coffee . . . 

Gravy boat, Russel Wright, c. 1955-1959 (designed 1938-1939), Minneapolis Institute of Art: Decorative Arts, Textiles and Sculpture

oval shaped; long sides turned inward at rim; horizontal handle on one short side extending from rim; light blue (glacier blue) glaze Russel Wright became a household name thanks in large part to his "American Modern" dinnerware line manufactured from 1939-1959. The service, characterized by its organic forms, soon was a regular fixture in American kitchens, dining rooms, and even backyard barbeques. The various colors such as Coral, Chartreuse Curry, and Sea foam Blue (the latter seen here) ensured the mix-and-match quality the Wrights advocated as part of the new American informality. "American Modern" followed Wright's philosophy to create a modern home (often run without domestic help) attractive and fun through Russel's colorful, simple designs for the home, including tablewares, flatware, textiles, and furnishings. Many of these lines were given the patriotic name "American Modern," which positioned them as stylish and indispensable for the redefined "good life" for Americans. Although sold as "open stock," the temptation to buy all thirty-three pieces must have been strong, as "American Modern" remains the best-selling line of tableware ever produced. In addition to cooking/serving pieces, the full line included dinner, salad, and smaller plates, soup and fruit bowls, and cups and saucers. Size: H.2-1/2 x W.10-1/2 x D.3-13/16 in. Medium: Glazed pottery

Celery Dish ("American Modern" Dinnerware), Russel Wright, 1937, Art Institute of Chicago: American Art

An ardent promoter of modern design, Russel Wright developed his American Modern line of dinnerware, which included serving pieces such as this celery dish, in 1937. Wright claimed that the organic shapes of the pattern reflected each piece’s function and that muted colors such as cedar green were used in order to “dramatize” the service of food. Although Wright designed the line in 1937, American Modern was not produced until 1939 because of the skepticism of potential manufacturers during the Great Depression. Nonetheless, it has proved to be one of the most popular ceramic patterns ever created. Gift of Beryl C. Michels Size: 3.2 × 33.7 × 9.2 cm (1 1/4 × 13 1/4 × 3 5/8 in.) Medium: Glazed earthenware

Cocktail Set, Model 326, Russel Wright, 1930, Art Institute of Chicago: American Art

In 1930 Russel Wright established a workshop in New York City and began producing informal serving accessories, including this cocktail service. His design reveals the great allure that streamlined forms had during the 1930s: one reviewer commented that “cylindrical and spherical forms are indicative of the speed of our age.” Wright nonetheless incorporated practical features into his design; his workshop marketed these aluminum accessories as “featherweight,” so that “even the frailest hostess finds no difficulty in handling” them. In addition, the cork feet of the glasses provide built-in coasters, while the shaker’s cork-covered neck doubles as an insulated handle. Despite Wright’s goal of reaching a wide audience through mass production, his Cocktail Set was completely handmade, and great variations exist between known examples. Through prior bequest of Arthur Rubloff Size: Tray: 29.2 × 15.2 cm (11 1/2 × 6 in.); shaker: 29.2 × 15.2 cm (11 1/2 × 6 in.); cups, ea. 14.9 × 7.3 cm (5 7/8 × 2 7/8 in.) Medium: Spun aluminum and cork

Platter ("American Modern" Dinnerware), Russel Wright, 1937, Art Institute of Chicago: American Art

Gift of David A. and Edith Fantus DeMar Size: 34.3 × 22.9 cm (13 1/2 × 9 in.) Medium: Glazed earthenware

Fork, from "American Modern Play Dishes" set, Russel Wright, c. 1959, Minneapolis Institute of Art: Decorative Arts, Textiles and Sculpture

silver metallic plastic; pattern in linear and floral design on handle Size: 5 3/4 x 3/4 x 7/16 in. (14.61 x 1.91 x 1.11 cm) Medium: Melamine plastic

Celery Dish ("American Modern" Dinnerware), Russel Wright, 1937, Art Institute of Chicago: American Art

An ardent promoter of modern design, Russel Wright developed his American Modern line of dinnerware, which included serving pieces such as this celery dish, in 1937. Wright claimed that the organic shapes of the pattern reflected each piece’s function and that muted colors such as cedar green were used in order to “dramatize” the service of food. Although Wright designed the line in 1937, American Modern was not produced until 1939 because of the skepticism of potential manufacturers during the Great Depression. Nonetheless, it has proved to be one of the most popular ceramic patterns ever created. Gift of Beryl C. Michels Size: 3.2 × 33.7 × 9.2 cm (1 1/4 × 13 1/4 × 3 5/8 in.) Medium: Glazed earthenware