Tag Archives: Ruba Rombic

Meet you at the Met

Metropolitan Museum

Metropolitan Museum on a rainy day (photo: dreamstime.com)

It was a cool and drizzly day when we headed on our journey to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to meet up with friends.  With many special functions going on, we concentrated on the Berenice Abbott Exhibit.

Man Ray portrait of Berenice Abbott, 1921.

1921 portrait of Berenice Abbott by Man Ray. Image from the Museum of Modern Art Archives.

Berenice Alice Abbott (1898 – 1991) was an American photographer who documented 1930’s urban New York.  Born Bernice Abbott, she briefly attended Ohio State University before leaving in early 1918 and moving to New York City. In NY, Bernice studied sculpture and painting. Looking to improve her skills, she travelled to Paris in 1921 and studied sculpture with Emile Bourdelle. It was while in Paris that she adopted the French spelling “Berenice”.

In Paris (1923), the famous photographer, Man Ray, was seeking a darkroom assistant, someone with no previous knowledge of photography. Willing to take on a challenge, Abbott applied for the position and was hired.

Abbott wrote:

“I took to photography like a duck to water. I never wanted to do anything else.” 

Taken by her skills, he allowed her to use his studio to take her own photos. Abbott’s subjects were people in the artistic and literary worlds, French nationals, and casual visitors.

James Joyce portrait photograph of James Joyce. From the collection of the Met.

Berenice Abbott portrait of James Joyce (1926). Image from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In 1925, Man Ray introduced her to the photographic works of Eugène Atget. Meeting Atget, she persuaded him to sit for a portrait in 1927. He died shortly thereafter and Abbott acquired the prints and negatives remaining in Eugène Atget’s studio at his death in 1927.

Berenice visited New York City in early 1929 and saw the potential that could be captured by photography. By September of the same year, she closed her Paris studio and moved back to New York City.

Over the next decade, she documented the ever-changing landscape of the city as it became a modern metropolis. Her work is a historical record of many now-destroyed buildings and neighborhoods in Manhattan.

Album page showing the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan.

Abbott’s album showing the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan. Photo by the authors.

Another album page showing the 59th Street 9th Ave El Station and the waterfront.

Another page from Berenice’s 1929 photo album of New York City, showing the 9th Avenue El Station and the NYC waterfront. Photo by the authors.

Changing New York, E.P. Dutton & Co., Inc.

The culmination of Abbott’s 1930s New York City photographs, Changing New York, 1939, published by E.P. Dutton & Company, Inc. Photo by the authors.

Moving from the Berenice Abbott exhibit, we moved to the Modern and Contemporary Art.

On our way to Gallery 912 (Abstraction), we came across some treasures of Modern America paintings from the 1920s – 1940s. The most impressive, in our opinion, is America Today (1930 – 1931). This massive mural by Thomas Hart Benton (1889 – 1975). Benton, commissioned by the New School for Social Research to paint a mural for the board room of their new building on West 12th Street, designed by Joseph Urban. Even though created at the onset of The Great Depression, the mural, consisting of ten panels, showcasing American industry from the rural South to the industrialized North projects hope and promise. The video below tells the story of the mural’s fascinating history and how it ended up in the Met’s collection.

 

America Today, by Thomas Hart Benton at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Chris taking in the “Instruments of Power” panel of Thomas Hart Benton’s massive mural America Today at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by the authors.

In addition to America Today, there were three paintings from the interwar period that caught our eye. In chronological order the first was, Edison Mazda (1924), by Stuart Davis (1892 – 1964). Clearly inspired by the cubist works of Pablo Picasso and George Barque, with its use of collage-like composition and flattened space. The artwork of Davis’ has also been describes as proto pop art, with his use of bold and brash colors.

 

Edison Mazda by Stuart Davis.

Edison Mazda (1924) by Stuart Davis. Photo by the authors.

The second painting, Georgia O’Keeffe’s (1887 – 1986) The East River from the Shelton Hotel (1928) is the view O’Keeffe had from her apartment window on the 30th floor of the Shelton Hotel. Anthony, being more of a city guy, is fonder of her city scapes than her series of flowers. He loves the way she captures the particular bleak feel of the East River water front and Long Island City on a winter’s day.

The East River from the Shelton Hotel (1928) by Georgia O'Keeffe. In the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Georgia O’Keeffe’s East River from the Shelton Hotel (1928). Photo by the authors.

And then there’s Let My People Go (circa 1935) by Aaron Douglas (1899 – 1979). Douglas, a major graphic artist and muralist of the Harlem Renaissance during the 1920s and 1930s, visually interprets the biblical story of God’s order to Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, in his flat, silhouetted style.

 

Aaron Douglas' painting Let My People Go.

Let My People Go (circa 1935) by Aaron Douglas. Photo by the authors.

While the Berenice Abbott exhibition was the major draw to visit the Metropolitan, their collection of Ruba Rombic glassware were more must see items. This Cubist inspired glass, designed by Reuben Haley (1872 – 1933) in 1928 is one of our favorite.

 

Ruba Rombic glassware.

Some of the Metropolitan’s collection of Consolidated Glass Company’s Ruba Rombic glassware. Photo by the authors.

The four pieces (out of seven) on display are, (from left to right) the Whiskey Glass, 10 oz. Tumbler, 9 oz. Tumbler and the Jug, all in the pieces displayed are in Consolidated Glass’ cased, silver color.

Found in Gallery 912 – Abstraction, along with Ruba Rombic, is this group of iconic 1920s and 1930s design. I hate to say it but this “gallery” almost seems like an after thought, off to the side and tucked away,  practically underneath a staircase.

Iconic industrial design itmes.

From left to right, Birtman electric toaster, Sparton Bluebird (Model 566) Radio, and Westclox’s 1938 “Big Ben” alarm clock. Photo by the authors.

The Birtman Toaster from 1932 (with a window in it so you watch the bread turning brown) and Westclox 1938 version of the “”Big Ben” alarm clock are both designs by Henry Dreyfuss (1904 – 1972). And Sparton’s Bluebird radio is a famous piece created by Walter Dorwin Teaque (1883 – 1960).

Light court of the American Wing at the Met.

Light court of the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by the authors.

Our final stop was the American Wing.  Set on two balconies surrounding a large light court were examples of early American silver, glass, and ceramics.

Silver Charger by The Kalo Shop, 1937, on display in the American Wing of the Met.

Charger made by The Kalo Shop in Chicago, Illinois, circa 1937. Photo by the authors.

"Our America" series by Rockwell Kent for Vernon Kilns.

“Our America” pottery series by Rockwell Kent for Vernon Kilns, 1939. Photo by the authors.

Prominently featured were glass panels by the Tiffany Studio, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867 – 1959) and George Washington Maher (1864 – 1926) among others.

 

Autumn Landscape, Agnes F. Northrop for the Tiffany Studios.

Autumn Landscape (1923-1924), attributed to Agnes F. Northtrop (1857 – 1953) made by the Tiffany Studios. Photo by the authors.

Deco, not Deco

Deco, or not?

 

Here is a sweet little pitcher. But is it deco?

Deco, or not?

Not!

As stated above, it was designed by Hugh C. Robertson and produced by Chelsea Keramic Art Works between 1880-1889.

These were just the tip of the iceberg of the many wonderful pieces in the Met’s collection. If you are in New York City it is certainly worthwhile to spend a day there.

Anthony & Chris (The Freakin’, Tiquen Guys)

Virtual Visits: Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art


Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

As Chris mentioned in our last post, we are not Driving for Deco much right now. But it doesn’t mean we can’t “visit” some great museums. Thanks to the internet some of the best Art Deco collections are literally at our fingertips. One of the places at the top of our driving list is the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, in Denver, Colorado.

 

Vintage postcard of Denver Colorado.

VIntage Denver, Colorado postcard. Image from flickr.com.

The Kirkland Museum landed on our radar after being feature on The Antiques Road Show in 2010. Roadshow was there highlighting their very large collection of Ruba Rombic glass.

Vance Kirkland (1904 - 1981)

Vance Kirkland in front of his studio at 1311 Pearl Street, 1941. Photo courtesy of the Denver Public Library, Western History Collection, WH1062

In 1929, the University of Denver hired Kirkland to become their founding director of the School of Art. He only held the position for three years before resigning over a dispute with the University not granting credit for art courses toward graduation. Upon leaving the University he leased the Arts and Crafts style building at 1311 Pearl Street and opened the Kirkland School of Art in 1933. Classes he taught there were accredited by the University of Colorado. When he returned to the University of Denver as director of the School of Art in 1946, the Pearl Street building became his studio. Although he retired from academic life in 1969, Kirkland continue to paint up to his death in 1981. Being predeceased by his wife and having no children he will his estate to friend, Hugh A. Grant.

 

Hugh A. Grant

Hugh A. Grant, the Kirkland’s founding director and curator. Image from bonfils-stantonfoundation.org

 

 

 

Under Hugh A. Grant the founding director and curator, the museum started taking shape. Construction began in 1998 on a 8,830 square foot addition to the original studio for exhibition space and visitor amenities. Completed in 2000, the museum opened to the public in 2003.

 

Kirkland's original studio and the first home of the museum.

1311 Pearl Street. Vance Kirkland’s original studio and part of the museum’s first home. Image from kirklandmuseum.org.

 For thirteen years this was the home of the Kirkland Museum. The museum houses three primary collections:

1. International Decorative Arts, featuring objects from most of the major decorative movements between 1875 – 1990.

2. The Colorado / Regional Collection which includes over 7,000 works by 700 local artists.

3. Kirkland Retrospective highlighting his 55 years of paintings.

 

Using a salon-style to display collection items is somewhat unusual for museums. Instead of separating fine art from decorative art they are displayed together, much like in a home. And by placing furniture on the floor allows visitors to experience the pieces in their intended perspective.

 

The Art Deco Collection at the Pearl Street location.

The Art Deco collection as it was displayed at the Pearl Street location. Image from kirklandmuseum.org.

 

It only took less than a decade to realize a larger space would be needed. In 2016 construction began on the present museum. Because Kirkland’s studio was so integral to their identity it also made the move to its present location. At 1201 Bannock Street, in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District, the new Kirkland is more than four times the size of the original. The new building opened on March 10, 2018.

 

The new Kirkland Museum.

The Kirkland Museum at 1201 Bannock Street. Photo by Daniel Holton from Facebook.

 

Now that we’ve set the stage, here’s how to “visit” the Kirkland virtually. Start by going to the museum’s home page at kirklandmuseum.org.

 

Kirkland Museum's home page.

Home page at kirklandmuseum.org.

 

There are two ways to view the museum’s items: for in depth details about select pieces, select collections from the header. Then click on “SEARCH COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS” from the drop down menu.

 

Choose search collection highlights.

Choose search collection highlights.

Once the “Collection Search” window pops up, type in “Art Deco” and hit enter.

Collection search window.

The Collection Search window.

 

 

Here are the results. To learn more about any of these items, just click on the photo.

Search collection results.

Results of “Search the Collection”.

 

I really love the black chair by Wolfgang Hoffmann. So to learn more about it, I’m going to click on its photo.

 

Wolfgang Hoffmann lounge chair.

Information about the Wolfgang Hoffmann, Art Deco lounge chair.

 

And here is a lot of great information about this item. Facts about the designer, when the chair dates from, its manufacturer, dimensions to what gallery it is on view in.  And when you are done with this slide, clicking on the “Art Deco” tab on top, will bring up even more great collection pieces.

Kirkland's Art Deco collection highlights.

Highlights of the Kirkland Museums Art Deco Collection.

It’s impossible for a museum to have all of its collection on display. But by going to a museum’s website one can see much more of the collection. I think the Kirkland Museum is an exception to this rule. It seems there’s a lot more of its Art Deco collection on display, than online. I found this out by “walking” through the museum on their virtual tour. To begin “click” on the “Explore our Virtual Exhibition Online!” window. That will take you to the page with the “Take a 360 Degree Virtual Tour!”

 

The start of the Kirkland Museum's virtual visit.

The “entrance” to the virtual tour on the Kirkland Museum’s Home page.

 

 

This works just like Google Street View, so click on the arrows and start to explore.

 

Kirkland Museum admission desk.

The Kirkland’s admission desk.

 

Here are some of the great Art Deco pieces I saw on my tour.

 

Display case of Art Deco, ceramics, metal and glass pieces.

Art Deco glass, ceramics and metal works.

 

This display case features ceramics by Viktor and Paul Schreckengost, Chase metal work including the Pretzel Man by Lurelle Guild and some wonderful glass items.

 

More Art Deco glass and ceramics, including Ruba Rombic.

More Art Deco glass and ceramics.

Here is another case chock full of Art Deco glass and ceramics. Not only do they have Reuben Haley’s Ruba Rombic glassware he designed for Consolidated Glass in 1928, there’s also his Ruba Rombic ceramics he made for Muncie Pottery. Also in the case are pieces in the Tearoom and Pyramid patterns by Indiana Glass. And in the lower right is Norman Bel Geddes’ Manhattan cocktail set (tray, shaker and two cups) for Revere.

 

Salon setting for larger pieces, including furniture and paintings.

Salon setting for furniture , accessories and paintings.

 

A few of the Deco standouts in this Salon Setting are, a teal and gold Skyscraper bookcase by Paul Frankl, circa 1927. There’s the Wolfgang Hoffmann lounge chair, a machine age Pattyn Products Company table lamp, circa 1935 attributed to Walter von Nessen. And a wonderful green leather and aluminum tube chair by Warren McArthur.

 

Another Kirkland Museum Salon Setting, with pieces by Gilbert Rohde, Walter von Nessen and Paul Frankl.

Another setting with a impressive pieces.

 

Aside from a couple of great chairs and a terrific rug, the standout in this grouping the sideboard. This is a piece designed in 1933 by Gilbert Rohde for the Herman Miller Furniture Company. Sitting on top is the Chase Coronet Coffee service, another von Nessen design. And all the way on the right of the case is Paul Fankl’s Modernique or Fifty Dollar clock (because that how much it cost in 1929) made by Telechron.

 

This was just the tip of the iceberg of their collection of over 4,400 pieces. So when it is really safe to travel and gather together once more, consider making the Kirkland Museum a place to visit. You might even see us there.

 

Exterior of the Kirkland Museum.

Exterior of the Kirkland Museum on Bannock Street. Photo by Wes Magyar, from kirklandmuseum.org.

 

Anthony & Chris – The Freakin”tiquen Guys.