-Silver Streak- electric iron c. 1940

Here we see the 'Silver Streak' electric iron, crafted by Corning Glass Works using Pyrex glass. The transparent shell gives immediate visual access to the internal mechanics, mixing the familiar with the avant-garde. The iron's design plays with our perception of everyday objects by revealing the normally hidden. The sleek handle and chrome base offer a futuristic aesthetic, while the transparent red and clear glass sections create a striking contrast. This juxtaposition transforms the iron from a mere household tool into a display of form and function. The choice of Pyrex glass also comments on consumer culture and transparency. By making the internal workings visible, Corning invites us to reconsider our relationship with technology. The iron challenges the conventional notions of domestic appliances, suggesting that even mundane objects can be art.