Special Exhibit:  Bakelite and Beyond –
Designs in Early Plastic

The arts and design revolution of the 20th century depended in large part on the chance historical meeting of innovative individuals (designers) with new industrial materials. The convergence of these two forces resulted in a vast creative explosion.  This “big bang” gave birth to Modern design and an ever-expanding universe of possibilities.

For its 2012 Special Exhibit, 20th Century Cincinnati takes a closer look at one of the most consequential of these new materials: synthetic plastics.  Between Leo Baekeland’s 1907 discovery (Bakelite) to DuPont’s 1936 introduction of Lucite, plastics had already entered American life in countless forms: from bracelets to billiard balls, finials to flatware.  In the 1920’s and 1930’s alone, millions of Americans brought Bakelite and Catalin radios into their homes.  The national obsession helped plastic become a symbol of Modern life.  When war efforts reserved steel and other materials for arms production, the use of plastics as a substitute skyrocketed – never to recede.

Bakelite and Beyond will provide a visual timeline of designs in the early plastics: Bakelite, Catalin and Lucite.  The exhibit will feature uncommon materials on loan from prominent Midwest collections and will include furnishings, household objects, fashion accessories and an outstanding cross-section of colorful radios.