Newfields Gifted Industrial Design Collection
One of the pieces from the George R. Kravis II collection
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowSeveral pieces of a collection of contemporary and modern design objects from a late Oklahoma businessman will now be housed in the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields after the pieces were gifted to the museum. The museum received 131 objects from the late George R. Kravis II, who collected industrial design pieces beginning in the early 2000’s.
Kravis amassed one of the most significant such collections in the United States before establishing the Kravis Design Center in Tulsa, which housed his collection of over 4,000 objects. Kravis passed away in February 2018, and several institutions across the country were chosen to show parts of his collection. Newfields received items including a rare lounge chair designed by Alexander Girard for Braniff International Airways in 1968, a Frank Lloyd Wright armchair designed for the Herman T. Mossberg House in South Bend in 1948 and a Kodak Model no 1A Gift Camera designed by Hoosier Walter Dorwin Teague in 1930.
Some of the items are already on display at IMA Galleries, including Dining by Design: Silver 1925-2000 in the Lilly House second floor galleries.
“George R. Kravis II was a formidable figure in the field of design, and it was a pleasure to work with him through the years to improve our ability to showcase design for the public. George made regular visits to the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and often mentioned the fact that his mother was originally from Muncie, IN. I think he felt comfortable here and enjoyed exploring the large galleries we have devoted to his favorite subject—Design,” said Dr. Charles L. Venable, The Melvin & Bren Director and CEO.
More of Kravis’ gifts will be on display in the Design Gallery beginning June 22.