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Ball Clock

A work made of chrome, black enameled metal, and ebonized wood.

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  • A work made of chrome, black enameled metal, and ebonized wood.

Date:

1948–69

Artist:

Attributed to Irving Harper (American, 1916–2015) for George Nelson Associates (American, active 1955–mid-1980s)
Made by Howard Miller Clock Company (American, founded 1926)
Zeeland, Michigan

About this artwork

Introducing a modern scientific reference into domestic design, this work belongs to the Chronopak series of electric clocks designed by Irving Harper during his tenure with George Nelson Associates. This clock is not only symbolic of American design following World War II, but it also represents design philosophies that embodied issues such as informal living and portability. Although the clock is completely abstract, it suggests both the structure of the atom and the iconic asterisk symbol that abounded in the 1950s.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Architecture and Design

Artists

Irving Harper (Designer) , Howard Miller Clock Company (Manufacturer) , George Nelson Associates, Inc. (Designer)

Title

Ball Clock, "Atomic" Wall Clock

Places

Zeeland (Object made in), United States (Artist's nationality:)

Date

c. 1948-1969

Medium

Chrome, black enameled metal, and ebonized wood

Inscriptions

Printed label on reverse: howard miller clock company/ZEELAND, MICHIGAN/115 V.60 CY.2 WATTS

Dimensions

34.3 × 8.9 cm (13 1/2 × 3 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Orbit Fund

Reference Number

1999.678

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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