Collecting 101

1.

Introduction

The Catalin radio is recognized for its striking aesthetic qualities and is characterized by the signature resin from which it is named. Developed in 1927 by the Catalin Corporation, Catalin was one of the first molded plastics used in radios along with Bakelite and Plaskon. Prior to the development of Catalin, manufacturers commonly used Bakelite, the first plastic made from synthetic components. However, its dark colour was a limitation for 1930s designers, as its carbon-based ingredients - phenol and formaldehyde - meant it could only produce black or brown radios. Unlike the somber appearance of the Bakelite radio, Catalin resin was clear and used no fillers. The ability to produce it in bright colours or even marbleized colouring made it a far more popular material for consumer products.

Following the Great Depression, new modes and forms of entertainment were in high demand by the American public. The growth of radiobroadcasting was a catalyst for the popularity of the radio, which became the focal point of the home. When the Catalin radio was introduced to the market, it would have undoubtedly been an exciting and eye-catching product for the American consumer. However, the initial designs did not prompt immediate sales as people were not used to such modern objects, nor were consumers willing to pay the higher cost for Catalin compared to the larger and better-performing wood radio competitors on the market.

2.

Manufacturers

By 1937, Catalin was favoured by radio manufacturers such as Emerson and Fada to create colourful cabinets, behind which the radio’s wiring, speaker, and tubes were concealed. Many of the manufacturers responsible for producing these incredible radios during the 1930s and 40s are still around today, including Emerson and Motorola. One of the classic Catalin radios by Motorola was solid red and black, with a shaped grill and striking dial face. While the names of some industrial designers responsible for many of these radios are unknown, their immense skill and talent is unquestionable. The manufacturers themselves are now better known, including Fada, Air King, Emerson, Sparton and Colonial, whose stellar designs will be part of the upcoming auction on October 25.

3.

Designers

Four designers of note when looking at the history of Catalin radios are Walter Dorwin Teague, Raymond Loewy, Harold Van Doren, and John Gordon Rideout, who all played fundamental roles in the development of the industrial design profession in America and popularized the streamlined aesthetic of the 1930s and 1940s. Dorwin Teague famously created a variety of radio designs such as the Sparton 558 Sled, which will be included in upcoming auction in Los Angeles.

Van Doren and Rideout were responsible for the iconic Skyscraper radio and Loewy designed his futuristic New World Globe radio.

4.

Collecting and Literature

The Catalin radio has become a popular and well recognized design object, with numerous museums and institutions around the world including them in their collections. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds a Sparton Bluebird, The Milwaukee Art Museum, an Air King and Sparton Cloisonné, the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), an Air King 66, and the Cooper Hewitt a New World Radio. Notable books on the subject of Catalin Radios include Classic Plastic Radios of the 1930s and 1940s by John Sideli and Deco Radio: The Most Beautiful Radios Ever Made by Peter Sheridan.

5.

On the Market

Catalin, mirror and Plaskon radios became popular collectible items starting in the early 1990s and over time have grown in popularity amongst collectors. The Air King skyscraper radios, with their brightly coloured cabinets, have become highly desirable.

The depth, warmth and form of the intricate detailing and manufacturing of Catalin radios are key hallmarks of their level of popularity with collectors. Considered art by their most ardent advocates, Catalin radios are often displayed together in layered installations so that the subtlety and contrast of their design and colour act as complimentary foils. Bonhams is delighted to showcase the Leonard Urlik Collection of Vintage Radios, made all the more impressive given the time and expertise necessary to curate such an collection.

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