See more objects with the tag industrial design, dials, domestic interior.

Object Timeline

1904

  • Work on this object began.

1993

  • We acquired this object.

1999

  • Work on this object ended.

2015

2017

2025

  • You found it!

Drawing, Design for a Radio

This is a Drawing. It was designed by Alfons Bach and made for (as the client) Philco (Philadelphia Storage Battery Company). It is dated 20th century and we acquired it in 1993. Its medium is brush and watercolor, chalk on paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

Bach’s presentation drawing of a radio design for Philco attracts the eye to the shining white details of the dial, speaker grill, and knobs, suggesting chrome accents. Using assembly-line manufacturing techniques, Philco made a modified version of this design in plastic; the company’s reputation for durability as well as this portable radio’s modern style attracted consumers.

It is credited Gift of Alfons Bach.

  • Drawing, Book shelves
  • yellow color pencil, brush and white gouache on black paper.
  • Gift of Alfons and Anita S. Bach.
  • 1998-71-5
  •
  • Drawing, Chest, Vanity, Stool
  • yellow, white color pencil, brush and white gouache, graphite on black paper.
  • Gift of Alfons and Anita S. Bach.
  • 1998-71-6

Our curators have highlighted 1 object that are related to this one.

  • Drawing, Burlwood Chest
  • brush and brown, white, red gouache, graphite on brown paper.
  • Gift of Alfons and Anita S. Bach.
  • 1998-71-10

Its dimensions are

H x W: 30.6 × 46 cm (12 1/16 × 18 1/8 in.) Mat: 40.6 × 55.9 cm (16 × 22 in.)

It is inscribed

Inscribed, upper left of radio: PHILCO

Cite this object as

Drawing, Design for a Radio; Designed by Alfons Bach (American, b. Germany, 1904–1999); Client: Philco (Philadelphia Storage Battery Company) (United States); USA; brush and watercolor, chalk on paper; H x W: 30.6 × 46 cm (12 1/16 × 18 1/8 in.) Mat: 40.6 × 55.9 cm (16 × 22 in.); Gift of Alfons Bach; 1993-108-387

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/18642741/ |title=Drawing, Design for a Radio |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=10 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>