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Stories from Herman Miller GOLDSTEIN MUSEUM OF DESIGN Fall 2009 Good design from Herman Miller GMD is pleased to host Good process. It is art with a purpose. Good Design: Stories from Herman Miller, design requires a clear understanding an exhibition that explores the of the particular need, conditions, To receive collaborative problem-solving design constraints, and opportunities. this newsletter process employed at the world- Good design does not happen in a electronically, send renowned furniture company, Herman vacuum.” your name and Miller, Inc. Organized by the Muskegon e-mail address to Berry explained the exhibition’s Museum of Art in collaboration with organization: “Each object grouping [email protected]. The Henry Ford (THF), Dearborn, started with identifying a need—to Michigan, the exhibition draws furnish a new type of living space, upon THF’s Herman Miller Design for healthier seating, to effectively Collection, a comprehensive archive communicate a message, or to of the company’s innovative processes support new kinds of work.” The and products which have never before exhibition uses drawings, models, been exhibited. prototypes, photographs, oral The inspiration for the exhibition came histories, and original designed from Herman Miller: The Purpose objects to showcase the creation and of Design by design scholar and evolution of many masterpieces of authority John R. Berry, first published 20th and 21st century design by such by Rizzoli International in 2004. Berry artists as Gilbert Rohde, Ray & Charles also served as the exhibition’s guest Eames, George Nelson, Alexander curator. Girard, Robert Probst, Steve Frykholm, Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick, and Commenting on the idea behind the others. exhibition, Berry observed, “Many people are confused by the difference On view November 21, 2009– between art and design. Design is a January 17, 2010. noun, a verb, and a problem-solving GOOD DESIGN STORIES1 GMD Fall 2009 FROM HERMAN MILLER FROM THE DIRECTOR In this disarray stands the strength that GMD has developed “What I know for sure is that through partnerships with the Friends of GMD and the Twin behind every catastrophe, there Cities’ design and cultural community. As we define the meaning of this new financial reality, GMD enthusiastically embraces its are great lessons to be learned.” passionate partners and volunteers. These dedicated advocates spill their enthusiasm for the museum into the community, —Oprah Winfrey infecting others as surely as a virus. The holistic nature of the economic downturn affected all areas and Winston Churchill stated, “If we are together, nothing is GMD was no exception. The combination of a cut in college support impossible.” GMD can be your center for reflection about the (due to the University’s request that the College of Design make up current situation, a site for escape, a thoughtful environment a deficit developed during its formation) and the loss of investment for wonder, or an opportunity to identify with people from fund interest necessitated significant changes. Office administrator other times and cultures. This may be the lasting lesson of this Barbara Porwit was laid off and we thanked her for three years of financial downturn: GMD exists in partnership with supportive dedicated service. All remaining staff took reductions from 10–100%. communities to bring inspiration and memory alive. Thank you Any travel or professional development is now paid personally, for your support! three newsletters will be produced per year instead of four, and print Yours in design, versions will be minimized in favor of electronic communication. Lin Nelson-Mayson Intersections: Attendees donate Where Art and 90 pounds of food The opening reception for Fashion Meet Intersections: Where Art Meets Fashion was a hit with 250 July 11—November 1, 2009 attendees. Guests enjoyed food Co-curators: Barbara Heinemann, PhD, and Mark Schultz, MA. that pops, including popcorn and Consultant: Margot Siegel lollipops. Margot Siegel spoke about her life and how it inspired Intersections: Where Art and Fashion Meet is an the exhibition. Co-curators Barbara unprecedented exhibition for the GMD through the Heinemann, PhD, and Mark Schultz, pairing of important works of art with significant MA, gave a gallery tour of the designer fashion from the collection. Inspired by exhibition. journalist and Friends of the Goldstein founder Margot Siegel and her immersion in both fashion and Guests were asked to bring art, this exhibition celebrates the fluid relationship non-perishable food to donate between the two worlds and celebrates the to Second Harvest Heartland. exuberance of art, fashion, and popular culture. As a result, GMD donated over 90 lbs of food to this non-profit Sponsored by an anonymous donor; Macy’s and organization that aims to end Bloomingdales, the University of Minnesota Summer hunger in the American Midwest Session, Summer Cultural Programs; Fashion Group by 2017. GMD intends to aid them International of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Inc.; Craig in this admirable goal by collecting F. Starr Gallery; Friends of the Goldstein Museum food donations at future exhibition of Design; JB Hudson Jewelers; the College of openings. To read more about Design; and generous individuals. Second Harvest Heartland, visit www.2harvest.org. 2 GMD Fall 2009 Object Spotlight Tea drinking in England is said to have been started by Queen Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles II, in the 17th century. From these beginnings, drinking tea became an important ritual of both the upper and lower classes in England. Wedgewood tea ware is iconic of England’s tea culture. The company’s founder, Josiah Wedgewood, invented black basalt stoneware in 1768 while searching for a formula for hard-paste porcelain similar to that manufactured in China. Seven years later, Wedgewood invented jasperware, which can be stained a variety of colors with metallic oxides. Creamware, often decorated with floral motifs, was developed in the 1760s and continues to be produced by the company today. To view these objects in person, visit 32 Creamer, 1900-1910, England, Wedgewood, black basalt stoneware, Gift of Katherine Shepard Teapot, McNeal Hall. See Japanese tea objects England, Wedgewood, Jasperware, Gift of the Estate of Mary Olive Boone Tea Cup and Saucer, 1800-1899, in 240 McNeal and Chinese tea objects England, Wedgewood, Creamware, Gift of Mrs. Donald Yager in 364 McNeal. California. Catalina pottery was sold to a competitor, Gladding- New Acquisition McBean, in 1937. Both objects donated by Rose were made when Catalina pottery was still being produced by the Santa Catalina One-hundred ninety-eight objects were accessioned into GMD’s Island Company. The dinner plate was made between 1930 collection at a committee meeting in May 2009. Apparel and and 1932 and is Toyon Red made with brown burning clay. The accessories, textiles, decorative arts, coffee pot was made of white burning and graphic design objects were clay produced between 1932 and 1937. donated in the last fiscal year. It has a wood and copper handle and is Nancy Rose donated two pieces of Descanso green. Catalina pottery: a coffee carafe and Thank you to all of our donors. GMD a dinner plate. Catalina pottery was depends on your donations to expand the produced in Catalina Island, off the depth of its collection. If you have an object coast of southern California, from you would like to donate, contact Assistant 1927-37. Originally, all materials used Curator Jean McElvain at 612-625-2737 or to make Catalina pottery were native [email protected]. to the island, including brown burning clay, which was used to make tiles, Sources: tiled furniture, and tableware. This Chipman, J., Collector’s Encyclopedia continued until 1932 when the Santa of California Pottery, Collector Books/ Catalina Island Company began Coffee Pot, 1932-1937, United States, Catalina Pottery, Schroeder Publishing, Inc., Paducah, using white burning clay from Lincoln, Clay, Gift of Nancy Rose 1995. 3 GMD Fall 2009 In partnership with the Weisman and JV & Company, the Friends Dear Friends invite you to an intimate evening with Yeohlee Teng, November PRECIOUS MOMENTS IN TIME 11 at JV & Company. You will see a sneak preview of the new YEOHLEE Spring 2010 collection. I attended the Friends JB Hudson event, “Six Suite Stories,” on August 18 at the Goldstein. I hope to see all of you at each of these events. Remember, the What a wonderful evening it was! Seeing Goldstein needs your support. The Friends need you! Margot Siegal and Dolly Fiterman together Until next time… again sharing hugs and memories of days Linda Hersom gone by was absolutely precious. Smiles President, Friends of GMD and laughter filled the room as we sampled Linda Hersom the evening’s specialty, Margotinis. Later on, I saw one of our student volunteers in conversation with Margot about the latest trends and I soon realized that this is what being a Goldstein Friend is all about— making connections, sharing stories, and spreading the word of the marvelous exhibitions at this small but very special gallery. I spoke to the student the next day, and she was thrilled to have had her photo taken with Margot. I expect one day she will look back on that evening and recall it as one of those precious moments in time. The “Come Together” Macy’s event September 10 was very successful, with $2,000 in donations collected for the Goldstein. Linda Hersom and Margot Siegel, Macy’s More than 100 attendees came to hear Melissa Colbert from Mpls/St. Paul Magazine present the hottest trends. Our very own Friends founder, Margot Siegel, commentated as well. Eastcliff, home to University President Robert Bruininks and Dr. Susan Hagstrum, was the site for the Friends Membership Reception on September 17. The weather couldn’t have been better for this annual event and the spectacular gardens provided the perfect backdrop for the short program featuring MN Fashion designers Amanda Christine and Allison Quinnell.
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