Thursday, June 28, 2012

Retro Collections: Mid-Century Wall Clocks, Magazine Racks


The Retrospect on Retro     

Retro, something out of style and now revived and in style. Retro, from mid 1900s, so desired, sought and bought by those with a discerning eye for a particular design of the past. The word is often used for collections or pieces with the striking patterns and effects of Mid-Century modern furnishings: clean, bold, defined, simple lines, often geometric, and the use of plastic and metal. Sleek and minimal, with function. "That clock is so retro!" Sound familiar?

Retro Wall Clocks: The Mid-Century modern Ones

Clocks give the time, but that's not all. For collectors, they are attracted to the fantastic visual appeal.  Mid-Century modern wall clocks are known for their design, and sometimes it doesn't matter if it keeps good time. Collections from the mid 1940's to mid 60's include the sunburst and starburst wall clocks, the asterisks, and atomic era wall pieces. These are dramatic works of art, many are very large, yet simply designed with brass and wood.
Atomic Ball Wall Clock
 These retro clocks represent the mid-century Modern styles: new art and materials to denote a break from the past and a search for new forms. The start of time for these Mid-Century clocks is attributed to an American modernist, George Nelson. He, along with others like Charles and Ray Eames, are considered leaders of the movement.
Nelson's spiked clock hands, and large wood ball numbers were only the beginning for aluminum clock hands, wire rods, space age numbers and bold shapes.  The sculptural value combined with the culture of the mid 1900s give these clocks their appeal and placed them in demand in mid century, and today for the retro clock collector! Some of the clock manufacturers of this period were the Howard Miller Clock Company, where George Nelson created many of his famous clocks; Elgin; Westclox; Lux; Seth Thomas; and a British clockmaker Metamec Ltd. Take the time and put a retro collection on your wall. The Mid-Century modern pieces would be a timeless collection. Friends will always say, "That clock is so retro!"


                       
                     

   


Mid Century Magazine:

It All Racks Up         

If there is a retro lover in the house with a Mid-Century clock collection, good chance there are magazine racks to match. Like the clock, Mid-Century form and function are well served to hold the current ipads or the display of vintage clipboards and children's books. Sleek, made of steel, a function statement in design. These small home furnishings are easily moved about and thus used in many ways. A perfect match with other collections. Modern art at its best, and oh so retro.

Most of the items in this collection are on Etsy, and some from the EtsyVintageElite Team.  Be retrospective, come see our retro pieces, and other selections of all eras and movements. We have the time, and the magazine racks. Click on most items for more information.

More on George Nelson and Modernism.


This blog is offered to you by HilltopTimes.


            
Wood and Black Diamond
Wall Clock
Retro Sunburst Wall Clock

10 comments:

The Inspired Trader said...

Great post! What a wonderful gathering!

Unknown said...

Love it all. I think the great thing about all of these fab finds is that they can be added to any decor. Think out of the box. Cool post!
Roselle
SeasideRoseCreations

Moody said...

I love the "mid-century" retro look, especially the electronics.
I definitely want one of those star burst clocks.
Now, if I can just find the walk space...

gazaboo said...

Such a fabulous look!
These retro finds are so cool, even today!

Whimzy Thyme said...

Beautiful!! Love old clocks, they have so much character.

Unknown said...

Fantastic finds! I'm a Mid Century lover and this post use made my heart speed! ;)

www.scavengenius.com

Unknown said...

Gorgeous stuff here~~who could not love mid-century items? Even incorporating one piece does not take away from a modern look.

Egle said...

Love everything about Eames era with their roots coming from cold, minimalistic Europe.

Miss Farfalla said...

Very cool informative post! Love Modernist clocks... could have a whole wall of them spinning away if I had the space. And of course, the mod mag racks too!

Annie said...

i love this post! i just sold three awesome modern magazine racks (two were the same as some pictured here). if i found an awesome modern clock, i would never let it go! :)

i used to work at the conran shop in new york- that's where i first got a taste of all the different modern designers. sigh- love.

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