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Object Timeline

1937

  • Work on this object began.

1975

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2017

2025

  • You found it!

Drawing, Design for a Combination Radio and Phonograph Cabinet with Sliding Top and Folding Doors

This is a Drawing. It was from the office of Donald Deskey. It is dated April 27, 1937 and we acquired it in 1975. Its medium is graphite, blue pencil on tracing paper, ruled border in graphite. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

Industrial designer Donald Deskey’s 1930s furniture designs unite form and function. Inspired by the simple sophistication of contemporary Scandinavian wooden furniture, this radio cabinet’s rectilinear shape, curved edge, and horizontal pulls allow the beauty of its materials to add interest and ornamentation. With folding doors and a sliding top, the versatile cabinet allows for easy storage and demonstrates the integration of radio technology in the furnishings of a modern home.

This object was donated by Donald Deskey. It is credited Gift of Donald Deskey.

Our curators have highlighted 2 objects that are related to this one.

Its dimensions are

H x W: 31.1 × 62.8 cm (12 1/4 × 24 3/4 in.) Mat: 55.9 x 71.1 cm (22 x 28 in.)

It has the following markings

Stamp in black ink, lower right: DONALD DESKEY / 630 FIFTH AVENUE / NEW YORK CITY

It is inscribed

Inscribed in graphite, lower right: APRIL 27.–1937; in graphite, lower left: COMBINATION RADIO = & PHONOGRAPH-CABINET WITH SLIDING TOP & FOLDING DOORS.; in graphite, lower left: CABINET CLOSED; in graphite, lower right: CABINET OPEN; in graphite, center: TOP SLIDES UNDER [with arrow]; in graphite, lower center: FOLDING DOORS; in graphite, center right: SPACE FOR RECORD BOOKS / BEHIND DOOR/; in blue pencil, center left: FIG. I; in blue pencil, center right: FIG. II

Cite this object as

Drawing, Design for a Combination Radio and Phonograph Cabinet with Sliding Top and Folding Doors; Office of Donald Deskey (American, 1894–1989); USA; graphite, blue pencil on tracing paper, ruled border in graphite; H x W: 31.1 × 62.8 cm (12 1/4 × 24 3/4 in.) Mat: 55.9 x 71.1 cm (22 x 28 in.); Gift of Donald Deskey; 1975-11-483

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition The World of Radio.

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18486845/ |title=Drawing, Design for a Combination Radio and Phonograph Cabinet with Sliding Top and Folding Doors |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=11 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>