Plastic revolutionized 1950s homewares. The laminated atomic patterns of Formica and the organic shapes of Melamine tableware echoed a more relaxed informal lifestyle. Melamine was developed in the 1930s but not used commercially until the 50s when its ability to take strong dyes and be moulded into flowing, extravagant shapes suited the new design ethos. Melmex tableware designed by A H Woodfull for Gaydon Plastics is a great example of how the design boundries were pushed to create elaborate ovoid profiles and contemporary styling. These cups and saucers are a great example of the organic shapes and bright colours available for everyday use post Festival of Britain 1951.
Cup design is by David Harman Powell for Ranton Melmex
ReplyDeleteSaucer is by A H Woodfull for Gaydon See V&A site for David Harman Powell which shows the cup & saucer with correct authorship caption…… the caption mistake was made many years ago in Sylvia Katz book on Plastics