Russel Wright

Ohhhhhh .... Look what I found hidden in a picture of an online auction titled 'cupboard contents' behind a bunch of Lenox, Sasaki and assorted Libby mid century modern glass and dinnerware. Half visible were these American icons of realized design ... Old Morgantown glasses designed by Russel Wright. A week later I had 11 chartreuse and seafoam glasses to add to the dinner table. (Yes - I use them daily!)

Since then I have been pulling together other pieces of the Modern American collection and learned during the 1950s, American design was characterized by an organic modernist approach that rejected hard-edged forms in favor of curving forms inspired by the human body and the natural world. When I hold a Russel Wright (1904-1976) Old Morgantown glass it sits lightly in my hand, the texture almost sensual, the form pleasing and familiar.

The response to his contributions in bringing his passion "Good design is for everyone" to Americans created the first recognizable ‘brand name’ in lifestyle marketing centered on an individual. It has been noted Russel was the Ralph Lauren, Martha Stewart of his day...deservedly so.