-Electro-Pointer- pencil sharpener c. 1943
edwardhoffman
minneapolisinstituteofart
photography
photography
product design photgrpaphy
metallic object render
united-states
modernism
"Electro-Pointer" pencil sharpener, created by Edward Hoffman circa 1943, exemplifies the streamlined aesthetic of mid-century design. Made of black plastic, the sharpener features a smooth, curved form and a simple, functional design. This functional sculpture is part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection and reflects the embrace of modern technology in everyday objects during this period.
Comments
The streamlined form of the Electro-Pointer pencil sharpener makes even this immobile desk accessory look sleek and fast. Early electric pencil sharpeners from the 1910s had an exposed motor, but with the ElectroPointer, the motor is disguised by a case made of Plaskon, a molded resin that was a practical, modern, and cheaper alternative to heavier die-cast metal cases. The popular model continued to be manufactured into the 1960s by other companies including Swingline. Electric pencil sharpeners continue to speed up a mundane office task.
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