Western Electric "Sculptura" Telephone, circa 1978
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Artifact Overview
In 1973, AT&T partnered with Henry Dreyfuss & Associates to create a collection of specialty "Design Line" telephones--allowing customers to tailor their technology to fit their home decor. The Sculptura model was designed by Donald Genaro and is a classic example of Pop Art's influence on everyday consumer goods. Eye-catching and playful, it came in white, brown, and yellow.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Telephone
Date Made
circa 1978
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Designed by Henry Dreyfuss Associates and made by Western Electric Company.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
97.50.8
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ameritech Corporate Archives.
Material
Plastic
Color
Yellow (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 7.5 in
Width: 8 in
Depth: 3.5 in
Inscriptions
SERIAL # 79804B/THE TELEPHONE HOUSING IS YOUR PROP-/ERTY. TO ASSURE QUALITY OF SERVICE/ALL WORKING PARTS, e.g., DIAL, CORDS/AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS REMAIN THE/PROPERTY AND RESPONSIBILTY OF THE BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY/WESTERN ELECTRIC
2902A-93/178240
LOUD
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Related Content
SetDesign Line Telephones
- 13 Artifacts
In 1973, AT&T partnered with Henry Dreyfuss & Associates, creating a collection of specialty "Design Line" telephones. From colonial pastiche to space age futurism, customers could tailor their telephone to fit a range of home decors. These devices were sold before the Bell System divestiture in the early-1980s. Customers paid a premium for the custom phone shell, but its interior mechanisms continued to be maintained and owned by AT&T.