One significant collection we are processing relating to industrial design is the John Coleman collection, much of which consists of photographs detailing Art Center’s post-war 1956 trip to Japan. Coleman was an alumnus and industrial design faculty member from 1948-early 1970s, and had previously worked at General Motors. As guests of the Japanese Government, representatives from Art Center, including Coleman, alumnus Frank Nakamura, Industrial Design department director George Jergenson, and Art Center President Edward A. “Tink” Adams, traveled to Japan to meet with Japanese designers and report on the state of industrial design. A report was written, which we will be digitizing, entitled The Future of Japanese Industrial Design.”
Art Center representatives touring the Juki Sewing Machine company factory floor in Tokyo, 1956, (2004.83.6.2). Photographer unknown. Gift of Carson Pritchard.
Art Center representatives examining a bicycle during a presentation in Nagoya, 1956, (2004.83.185.10). Photographer unknown. Gift of Carson Pritchard.