Title: Material Evidence: New Color Techniques in Handmade Furniture

Author: Edited by Katherine Chambers, SITES (Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service) with Introduction by Peggy A. Loar, Director SITES. 

Designer: Ethel Kessler, Ellen Roebuck

Publisher: SITES (Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service) © 1985

Specs: 7.5” h x 10.5”, Softcover  (coated cover stock).

Pages: 32 pages, 31 full color photographs

ISBN: N/A

Details: Exhibition catalogue for traveling exhibition of the same name. Includes essays by Bernice Wollman and Judy Coady, Directors of the The Gallery at Workbench, Susan Grant Lewin, Creative Director of the Formica Corporation, and Lloyd Herman, Director Renwick Gallery, National Museum of American Art. Catalogue in very good condition. Slight shelf wear

Notes from the archive: This catalog is material evidence of the “colorful and witty works … the impressive results of 19 of America’s best woodworkers confronting a new material Colorcore®.” The Smithsonian’s SITES, with supplies and technical directions from Formica Corp., enabled top makers to challenge their ideas with a then, yet untested material for handmade studio furniture. The exhibit explored how “technique may end up serving concept rather than inspiring it, but it remains essential. It is excellence of craft that creates structural integrity, richness of ornament, and refinement of detail.” All of the pieces represented have taken Formica’s Colorcore® to superior levels of craftsmanship. This is artful furniture, crafted with a modern utilitarian product but with a eye to classic design and humor. Featured works by Garry Bennett, Wendell Castle, John Cederquist, Peter Dean, Mike Funk, Tom Lacagnina, Jack Larimore, Tom Loeser, Wendy Maruyama, Rory McCarthy, Judy McKie, John McNaughton, Michael Pierschalla, Mitch Ryerson, James Schriber, Jay Stanger, Trent Whitington, Rick Wrigley, and Edward Zucca.  An important exhibition and catalogue for a ground breaking moment in the history of furniture and the introduction of Colorcore®.

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