March 31, 2014
Synthetic plastic was invented in the early twentieth century. The formula was honed and perfected through advancements in chemical technology stemming from World War I, allowing for mass production by the 1940s. Designers were drawn to this medium for both its novelty and practicality. It proved an ideal material for children's pieces: sturdy, easy to clean, very durable, lightweight, and brightly colored. Check out some of our favorite pieces, including kinder MODERN's own Duk Rocker and Ozoo Mini Desk:
Image by Lora Appleton
Duk Rocker, France, 1960's, orange plastic
Image from moma.org
Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper, Child's Chairs Model No. 4999, Italy, 1964, polyethylene
Image from moma.org
Luigi Colani, Zocker Chair, Germany, 1972, polyethylene
Image from moma.org
Verner Panton, Stacking Side Chair, Denmark, 1959-60, fiber-reinforced plastic and synthetic polymer paint
Image by Lora Appleton
Marc Berthier, Ozoo Minidesk, France, 1970, green polyester reinforced with fiberglass