At the Brunnier Art Museum
Tuesday, August 22 - Sunday, December 17, 2023
Industrial Design as a profession was established between World War I and World War II in the United States, but the idea of implementing design to manufactured goods began after the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. New mechanization removed artisans from their traditional roles as goods could be made cheaper and faster. Quality quickly deteriorated, and as a result, design reform movements spread throughout England and into Europe and the U.S.
By the 20th century, ideas of Modernism and good design were rapidly shifting industrial production. On exhibition at the Brunnier Art Museum is a collection of objects examining how the design profession radically changed how objects were made and consumed by Americans and around the world. Included in the exhibition are objects donated by William Prindle (1952 – 2019), a prolific industrial designer and one of the first faculty members of the Iowa State University Industrial Design department.


Exhibition Programs
Find full descriptions of programs on the University Museums Calendar. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required. Click the event title for more information and/or to register. Events listed below will be at the Brunnier Art Museum (1805 Center Dr., 295 Scheman Building, Ames, Iowa) unless otherwise noted. Programs are subject to change. Check the University Museums Calendar and Facebook page for the latest events information.
Coming soon!
Visit the Brunnier Art Museum
Hours:
Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Closed to the public Mondays. ISU curriculum tours may be scheduled on these days with a 2-week notice.
Closed University Holidays
Address: Scheman Building (2nd Floor), 1805 Center Drive, Ames, Iowa
Admission: The cost is free; however, there is a suggested donation of $8.
This exhibition is curated and organized by University Museums.
Images from top:
Octopus Bowl, 1992
William Prindle
Colored pencil on charcoal paper
Gift from the Estate of William Prindle. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. UM2019.182
DCW Chair, c.1946
Charles Eames
Bernice Alexandra "Ray" (née Kaiser) Eames
Natural Ash Plywood
Gift of Geitel Winakor. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.UM2007.80
Drawing, 1985
William Prindle
Colored pencil on charcoal paper
Gift from the Estate of William Prindle. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. UM2019.176
Glass (1 of 4)
Manufactured by White Crown Corning
Glass, clear
Gift from the Estate of William Prindle. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.