Images(4)

Binder, Loose-Leaf

Object number2010.12.1

Designer Lurelle Guild (1898 - 1986)

Manufacturer Aluminum Company of America (1907 - 1998)

Date1934

OriginNew Kensington, PA

MediumAluminum; brass

Credit LineGift of Stephen Wardsinski

DescriptionAluminum binder made from two pieces of aluminum sheet. Front is a flat piece with bend in center of one end to curl over rod in center. Back is flat piece bent to a U on one side and curled to fit over rod on ends. Rod runs length of spine to hold binder together. Front of binder has a brass figure of a feather surrounded by a banner; held on with brass rivets. Maker's hallmark on inside cover.Dimensions8.625 x 0.875 x 6.5 in. (21.9 x 2.2 x 16.5 cm)
MarksEngraved hallmark on inside cover "[image of reindeer head above shield with "K" in center] / Kensingt..."
Historical NotesKensington Ware aluminum binder designed by Lurelle Guild (1898-1986), who designed a variety of products for Alcoa in the 1930s. Wear-Ever, a subsidiary of Alcoa which made utensils, cookware, and house wares, began selling goods in 1900. Its products, including coffee pots, tea kettles, pans, and juicers, were sold both in stores and door-to-door. In Alcoa's early years the many uses of aluminum were still being discovered and the creation and sale of this aluminum cookware by Wear-Ever helped to broaden the metal's use. In 1934 the company started Kensington Incorporated to produce top of the line products called Kensington Ware. The line was produced in New Kensington, PA and featured a large number of differing products from candlesticks to bowls to ashtrays to vases. These items helped to show new potential uses for aluminum and also demonstrated the metal's beauty and durability. Lurelle Guild's work with Alcoa went beyond a simple designer-client collaboration. In many respects he became the design voice of the company in the 1930s. Guild was a prominent figure in product design who deserves greater recognition, particularly for his role in modernizing aluminum.

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