Max Bill Junghans Kitchen Clock – For Andrea
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:80990 | Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland |
| Brand: Junghans |
Color Scheme: White and brass. Materials: Glazed ceramic, metal and glassBetween 1955 and 1960 (unconfirmed)Manufacturer: Gebrüder Junghans AG, Schramberg, GermanSize: 10 1/4 x 7 5/16 x 2 1/4" (26 x 18.5 x 5.7 cm)
from MoMA website...kitchen clock with timer embodies longstanding hallmarks of the modern kitchen: timekeeping and efficiency. Its distilled functionalism is characteristic of Bill, the architect-designer best known as the cofounder of the Hochschule für Gestaltung... in Ulm, Germany, considered the most influential school of design after the Bauhaus (which Bill attended). This clock was one of the earliest of Bill’s designs to be produced and is considered a classic example of postwar "good design" in everyday objects. Bill later summarized his pragmatic design philosophy: "Functional design considers the visual aspect, that is, the beauty, of an object as a component of its function, but not one that overwhelms its other primary functions."
From "The Hour Glass"...But it’s Bill’s “Kitchen Clock with Timer”, which was designed for Junghans, that is one of his most famous contributions. In the 1950s, Junghans sought an artist to design its clocks and Bill was an ideal choice. Not only was he already an accomplished designer by this point, but he was also, by chance, fascinated by the concept of time. The “Kitchen Clock with Timer” is instantly recognisable with its teardrop shape and emphasis on functionality: the distinct form appears to be employed simply to house an impeccably crafted clock and timer and seems secondary to the clock’s purpose. It’s a beautiful piece best summarised by Bill’s own philosophy: “Functional design considers the visual aspect, that is, the beauty, of an object as a component of its function, but not one that overwhelms its other primary functions.” It also marked the start of his working relationship with the company.
from MoMA website...kitchen clock with timer embodies longstanding hallmarks of the modern kitchen: timekeeping and efficiency. Its distilled functionalism is characteristic of Bill, the architect-designer best known as the cofounder of the Hochschule für Gestaltung... in Ulm, Germany, considered the most influential school of design after the Bauhaus (which Bill attended). This clock was one of the earliest of Bill’s designs to be produced and is considered a classic example of postwar "good design" in everyday objects. Bill later summarized his pragmatic design philosophy: "Functional design considers the visual aspect, that is, the beauty, of an object as a component of its function, but not one that overwhelms its other primary functions."
From "The Hour Glass"...But it’s Bill’s “Kitchen Clock with Timer”, which was designed for Junghans, that is one of his most famous contributions. In the 1950s, Junghans sought an artist to design its clocks and Bill was an ideal choice. Not only was he already an accomplished designer by this point, but he was also, by chance, fascinated by the concept of time. The “Kitchen Clock with Timer” is instantly recognisable with its teardrop shape and emphasis on functionality: the distinct form appears to be employed simply to house an impeccably crafted clock and timer and seems secondary to the clock’s purpose. It’s a beautiful piece best summarised by Bill’s own philosophy: “Functional design considers the visual aspect, that is, the beauty, of an object as a component of its function, but not one that overwhelms its other primary functions.” It also marked the start of his working relationship with the company.
