Russel Wright Exhibit at the San Francisco International Airport

It isn't every day that 1950's melamine plastic dishes make their way on a plane from Baltimore to San Francisco for display. That's exactly what happened to some of Cindy Fahnestock-Schafer's collection. "They were transported from my storage facility this past winter in Baltimore to arrive in warmer San Francisco for check-in --just in time for the Russel Wright exhibit which is open now." Cindy, who hopes to fly out to see the exhibit in April, says, "My dishes should be happy, and feel privileged, unless of course, they are scared of heights like me."

RUSSEL WRIGHT:

If you are unfamiliar with him, shame on you. Not only was Russel Wright was a famous Industrial Designer of yester-year, but it was he and others in the field who made "jobs" or "positions" for the Industrial Designers of today, such as Martha Stewart!

Wright's motto was: "Good design is for everyone." Between the 1930's and 1960's, Wright had designed and attached his name on wares including furniture, lighting, aluminum, linens, ceramic dinnerware, pottery, plastic dinnerware, and cutlery. That is only of course, touching on a few of his many accomplishments. He did everything from design displays for the 1939 World's Fair to do consulting work for the United States Government to increase imports and trade, More about Russel Wright can be found online by searching for Manitoga and the Russel Wright Design Center. This was his gorgeous estate, located in Garrison, New York and now recognized as a Historic Landmark. It is open to the public, and a wonder to see.

THE EXHIBIT:

Debuting now in San Francisco International Airport, is the anticipated Russel Wright at Home: Modern Lifestyle Design exhibit. The exhibit focuses on Wright's work primarily from 1930-1965 and is located the secure ticketed area of United Airlines' Terminal One. If you are a frequent flyer, be sure to arrive early so that you may browse the glass cases of many nostalgic memories while waiting for your boarding call.

The exhibit features many of guest curator McKinley Wiliams' own personal collection including many rare items. Additionally many gracious donors loaned their wares. Cindy Fahnestock-Schafer said, "I'm just glad that the plastic made it in, the melmac of yesteryear is now collectible, and Wright did a lot of testing and work with American Cyanamid back in the day." (Be sure to check out some of Cindy's wonderful Wright designed Melmac dishes, including Residential, Flair, and Meladur designs!)

At any given time the San Francisco International Airport hosts many exhibits, and I'm glad that Russel Wright is in the current line-up. Thousands of travelers between now and end of October will be able to take a look-see at the wonderful modern impact that was Wright's love-- his work. Thanks to McKinley for paying tribute to this awesome designer!