Eveready torch 'Dolphin Mk2'
Object No. 91/1313
This is a production model of the second generation Eveready Dolphin torch. It was designed by Paul Cockburn of Design Field Pty Ltd, Sydney, in 1972. The new torch had to be shock resistant and waterproof. Cockburn insisted that it should be fairly ugly because he believed that many people would see this as a sign of ruggedness and reliability. He also wanted the torch to be multi functional, so he gave it an angled head that threw light down onto the path ahead or up when placed on the ground, useful when you're changing tyres in the dark. From 1978 until 1989 Cockburn's Dolphin Mark II was the best selling torch in the world. Another redesign in 1989, again by Cockburn, created the even uglier, high-tech styled Dolphin Mark III. The third version of the torch was made in Hong Kong for worldwide distribution. The most recent versions of the torch, Mark 4 and 5 were created by Design Resource in Crows Nest for the US-based Energizer company. This torch, together with the other versions, illustrates the transformation of a single product from one manufacturer over a period of 40 years.
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Summary
Object Statement
Torch, 'Dolphin Mk 2', plastic / metal / glass, designed by Paul Cockburn of Design Field Pty Ltd, made by Eveready Pty Ltd, Australia, 1972
Physical Description
A red moulded plastic torch with a rectangular body and a square angled head. The head contains a light globe which is surrounded by silver reflective material behind a round, clear plastic window. There is a round, black, rubber button on the top of the torch and a handle that runs parallel to the body of the torch. The head of the torch can be removed to access the battery compartment. There is a rectangular recess on either side of the torch that contains an adhesive label.
DIMENSIONS
Height
120 mm
Width
100 mm
Depth
200 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
This is a production model of the second generation Eveready Dolphin torch. It was designed by Paul Cockburn of Design Field Pty Ltd, Sydney, in 1972. The new torch had to be shock resistant and waterproof. Cockburn insisted that it should be fairly ugly because he believed that many people would see this as a sign of ruggedness and reliability. He also wanted the torch to be multi functional, so he gave it an angled head that threw light down onto the path ahead or up when placed on the ground, useful when you're changing tyres in the dark. From 1978 until 1989 Cockburn's Dolphin Mark II was the best selling torch in the world. Another redesign in 1989, again by Cockburn, created the even uglier, high-tech styled Dolphin Mark III. The third version of the torch was made in Hong Kong for worldwide distribution. The most recent versions of the torch (Mark 4 and 5) were created by Design Resource in Crows Nest for the US-based Energizer company. Design Resource has been creating products for Energizer and its former subsidiary Eveready since 1989. Significant organisations : Eveready Australia Pty Ltd : marketing Design Field : design Significant persons : Paul Cockburn : designer David Dalton : product manager / designer at Eveready Further Reading : 'Of consuming interest' Unnamed author Design World, no 19, 1990, pp 8-9.
HISTORY
Notes
This torch was used by the donor/designer to publicise his work and to record the design process and changes in appearance of the torch between 1965 and 1989.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Design Field Pty Ltd, 1991
Acquisition Date
15 November 1991
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