midcentury Archives - Form Function Art

September 20, 2019 Eric Moore

Theodore Pietsch: From Trimming Blueprints to Automobile Design

During the 1930s, America was not only reeling from the Great Depression, but also seeing automobiles become the most common form of transportation. Replacing trains and horse-drawn buggies, cars were a much more comfortable mode of transportation. However, they were big and clunky, not very practical for the post-Depression family. While mindful of the struggles…

Bob Stoffel, Dashboard Study. Circa 1947.

September 3, 2019 Eric Moore

The Mid-Century Concept Car and the Lost Art of Formal Craftsmanship

Concept cars are about dreaming big and discovering what’s possible in the automobile world. However, current car manufacturers are creating concept cars that are all about speed and environmental friendliness while using computer technology. Conversely, automobile design in the mid-century was all about designing a grand, space-age futuristic vehicle with the artist’s personal skill and…