Radio, model no. 1186, Nocturne, c. 1935 Walter Dorwin Teague (American, 1883-1960) Glass, metal, wood 45 x 43 x 15" XX1990.168 Walter Teague, a leading industrial designer, was an advocate of using technology to improve people’s lives. In the 1930s, radio was a powerful new communications tool and could be found in homes across both the United States and Europe. With a circular blue- mirrored face and geometric chromed fittings, this radio was a truly modern design. It was one of four radios designed by Teague in 1936 that were heavily promoted by the Sparton Corporation even before they were released for sale. An advertisement intended to build excitement for the designs showed four cloaked objects placed beneath the caption "The Style Sensation of the radio world is under these covers." The ad copy continued: Sparton has the exclusive radio service of Teague. Under these four covers are the most revolutionary radio designs ever offered to the public. Although extremely revolutionary, they will be immediately accepted and set an entirely new trend in radio design. They will be unveiled September 18th… The Nocturne’s modern style was described in yet another advertisement as "A daring and brilliant ensemble in glass and metal by Walter Dorwin Teague…A circle of midnight blue Tufflex mirror glass rests in a satin chrome cradle…Beautiful state setting for High Fidelity receiver cleverly concealed behind the chrome barred grille." A very large radio, it was designed to be the focal point of perhaps a hotel lobby or other commercial building. When it was released, in 1936, its $375 price represented an enormous cost that would have limited its sales. Industrial designers were a new addition to corporate structure in the 1930s. Businesses such as Sparton relied on the industrial designer to give old products new "looks" in order to encourage continual sales. Manufacturers and designers joined forces to persuade the consumer to buy new products, despite the economic hardship of the Great Depression. Fashionable designs became part of the marketing plan for every type of industrial product - from radios to refrigerators. Back to American Industrial Design Main Back to Collections Main