Russel Wright:
Creating American Lifestyle
Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution, New York
2001
A pioneer in the concept of “lifestyle marketing,” Russel Wright anticipated the likes of Martha Stewart and Ralph Lauren. Wright designed dinnerware, furniture, decorative objects, all of which were featured in the show. He and his wife Mary Wright wrote best-selling how-to books that influenced a post-World War II generation seeking a casual, yet elegant, American domesticity. Accompanied by a 176-page catalog.
Mr. Albrecht developed the concept and themes of the show, its organization, and he assembled its design team.
Press
“The show, a combination of brilliant utility and high-gloss kitsch, should be on the to-see list of anyone interested in the production and marketing of American-manufactured (as opposed to hand-made) design.”
Grace Glueck, New York Times, December 7, 2001
Special segment devoted to the exhibition on Martha Stewart’s television program
Credits
Co-curator: Robert Schonfeld
Exhibition designer: Matter Practice
Graphic designer: Alicia Cheng/Cooper-Hewitt
Lighting designer: Anita Jorgensen
Installation photographer: Bill Jacobson
