See more objects with the tag electronic, wood, prototype, radio.

Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

1946

  • Work on this object began.

2016

2025

  • You found it!

Prototype for a Radio Enclosure Prototype Radio Enclosure

This is a prototype radio enclosure. It was designed by Charles Eames and manufactured by Evans Products Company. It is dated 1946. Its medium is walnut plywood, lacquer. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

This prototype embodies the friendship and collaboration between two men whose names are synonymous with twentieth-century design: Charles Eames and Alexander Girard. This association’s roots date to World War II, when Charles and Ray Eames were commissioned by the Navy to create a more effective leg splint, an example of which is in the collection (1986-99-43).

This object was donated by George R. Kravis II. It is credited Gift of George R. Kravis II.

  • Radio Radio
  • bentwood, plastic.
  • Gift of George R. Kravis II.
  • 2016-5-18
  •

Our curators have highlighted 3 objects that are related to this one.

  • DCW Side Chair
  • molded and bent plywood, rubber.
  • Gift of Anonymous Donor.
  • 1963-22-1
  •
  • SK 25 Radio
  • plastic, metal.
  • Gift of Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor.
  • 1986-99-16
  •
  • Child's Chair (USA)
  • molded laminated birch plywood, brown stain.
  • Gift of Mrs. R. Wallace Bowman.
  • 1969-117-1

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 17.1 × 22.9 × 14.6 cm (6 3/4 in. × 9 in. × 5 3/4 in.)

It has the following markings

On bottom: [1] “26” in red pen [2] pencil marks

Cite this object as

Prototype for a Radio Enclosure Prototype Radio Enclosure; Designed by Charles Eames (American, 1907–1978); Manufactured by Evans Products Company (United States); walnut plywood, lacquer; H x W x D: 17.1 × 22.9 × 14.6 cm (6 3/4 in. × 9 in. × 5 3/4 in.); Gift of George R. Kravis II; 2018-22-80

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Energizing the Everyday: Gifts From the George R. Kravis II Collection.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/420556871/ |title=Prototype for a Radio Enclosure Prototype Radio Enclosure |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=5 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>