Toy
Object number2015.51.34 a-e
Date1931-1965
MediumWood/Paint
Credit LineGift of Terry Gruber
DescriptionFive Bill Ding Balancing Clown toys. Each wood clown figure features a different color scheme on the front detailing the clown's features.Dimensions4.5 x 1.813 x 0.75 in. (11.4 x 4.6 x 1.9 cm)Inscriptions(a)
Front is white with blue details and text on the front at center "BILL / DING".
(d)
Piece of paper adhered to the front of the proper left foot with printed text "Mar... / 3207 / ...argar[?] / of".
Historical NotesThese and other "Bill Ding" Balancing Clown toys were used by Aaronel de Roy Gruber to create paintings. Aaronel deRoy Gruber was a 1940 graduate of Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) who majored in costume design. Gruber started out as a painter dedicated to the Abstract Expressionist movement that dominated the mid-20th century and later, beginning in the 1960s, got involved in sculpture working in steel, Uvex, and Plexiglas. In the late 1980s she got involved in photography. Gruber continued working up until her death in 2011. Donor Terry Gruber is the son of Aaronel deRoy Gruber and Irving Gruber.
Previous owner
Aaronel deRoy Gruber
(1918 - 2011)
Related institution
Carnegie Mellon University
On View
Not on view
Related Object
1835-1845
c. 1917
c. 2012
Related Object