Wright, Russel

Wright, Russel, 1905–76, American industrial designer, b. Lebanon, Ohio. Wright was notable for introducing modern functional forms, simplified shapes, and cheerful colors in furniture, appliances, ceramics, fabrics, and many other products used in daily life. He was largely responsible for the popularity of furniture of modern industrial design made with light-colored wood, and for the use of spun aluminum as a decorative material. His simple, sturdy forms in china, glass, and flatware were widely used and imitated. Manitoga, the Garrison, N.Y., estate and grounds he designed and once occupied, is open to the public.

Bibliography

See his Easier Living (1951).

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Wright, Russel (1904–76) industrial designer; born in Lebanon, Ohio. Beginning with his spun aluminum bar wares, his successful free-lance designs included the 1932 Wurlitzer radio redesign, Modern Living furniture (1935), and American Modern ceramic tablewares (1937). He operated his own firm, Russel Wright Associates (1954–67).