Russel Wright 1904-1976
Russel Wright 1904-1976
Through the 1930s and 1940s, his signature was applied to extensive ranges of domestic products and Russel Wright commanded authority and respect for his progressive designs.
The American postwar boom allowed for mass-production and investment in homes and interiors and Russel Wright emerged as one of a handful of respected and brand-aware contemporary designers.
American Modern remains as one of the most important ranges created by Wright and demonstrates his influential pursuit of organic modernism. The use of sculptural forms softened edges and references to nature were theories shared with fine artists such as Jean Arp and designers such as the Eames’ and Saarinen.
American Modern was designed by Russel Wright in 1937 and over 250 million pieces of the extensive collection were sold through the 1940s and 1950s’. The range was a crucial element in the acceptance of modern design in the mid 20th Century.
Working with Russel’s daughter, Annie Wright, Bauer Pottery has relaunched American Modern with fourteen pieces from the original range. The Los Angeles based pottery has a longstanding association with Russel Wright having produced his designs over 60 years ago.
The current collection of American Modern embraces sculptural, bold designs alongside subtle and functional everyday pieces. The iron-free glazes retain the colour and depth of the originals with timeless tones that work perfectly in mixed combinations.
American Modern reflects an original ideology towards progressive forms for the table. The sculptural shapes have been highly influential and the marriage of colour and form provides a lasting character.
“Russel Wright: Creating American Lifestyle” - Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Russel Wright revolutionized the American home and the way people lived there. His inexpensive, mass-produced dinnerware, furniture, appliances, and textiles were not only visually and technically innovative, but were also the tools to achieve his concept of “easier living,” a unique American lifestyle that was gracious yet contemporary and informal.
