metal
art-deco
metal
modernism
Dimensions: 5 x 8 x 7 in. (12.7 x 20.32 x 17.78 cm)
Copyright: No Copyright - United States
This flatwork ironer was made by W.E. Gundelfinger, but the date is unknown. I just love how shiny it is. I feel for Gundelfinger here; I wonder if he knew he was making art. In a way, the design is really a sculpture, isn’t it? The way the chrome reflects the light, the heaviness of the black handle, and the repetition of circular forms is almost dizzying. I can imagine the artist carefully considering the weight and balance, hoping it would be as seamless as possible, and as easy to use as possible. And it’s also weirdly optimistic, right? You know, the Surrealists loved found objects. They appreciated how everyday things could be so strange, like this one. Everyday functional objects can have a similar impact as art, communicating meaning through a design and aesthetic sensibility. Gundelfinger might not have been thinking of Duchamp, but all artists are in conversation with one another, aren’t they?
Comments
One could argue that Stevens’ Petipoint was the racecar of the ironing world at the time, with its streamlined wings on either side. They actually facilitated air-cooling, keeping the user’s hand and the thermostat area cool. The upswept back portion of the iron is the “petit point” for detailing ruffles and pleats. Knapp-Monarch advertised that its Flatwork Ironer, specially designed for flat linens like sheets and tablecloths, would “cut flatwork ironing time by ⅓.” Its round shape allowed it to move in any direction and it had versatile settings for linen, cotton, wool, silk, and artificial silk.The irony (pun intended) here is that although these appliances performed very well, they often increased the amount of in-home ironing done by housewives, who earlier would have sent linens out for pressing.
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