'Clark sink plug' designed by Nielsen Design Associates
Object No. 2006/18/1
The Clark sink plug is an example of excellence in contemporary Australian product design. Its innovative appearance, ergonomic design and efficiency of manufacture demonstrate an intelligent design solution for what is usually a mundane, utilitarian object. The product won an Australian Design Award and Powerhouse Museum Selection for 1998-99. This type of plug has been sold with the majority of Clark kitchen sinks and laundry tubs throughout Australia and New Zealand since it was introduced in 1998. The Clark sink plug was designed principally by Adam Laws of Nielsen Design Associates in Hunters Hill, NSW, in 1997. Computer 3D modelling using the Alias program was used during the design process. Nielsen Design Associates, established by Carl Nielsen in 1961, was one of the first industrial design consulting businesses in Sydney. Nielsen's ten designers develop products for a broad range of industries, from telecommunications to medical devices. About half their work is for clients outside Australia, mainly in Europe and Asia.The Clark sink plug represents an example of a small design project from the consultancy, and contrasts to their more complex design projects such as the Microcoin coin validator and the Memtec filtration system. Fred Clark Australia began making sinks and laundry tubs in 1941 and in 1967 opened a factory in Revesby, Sydney. By 2004 Fred Clark Australia had become part of Dorf-Clark Industries Ltd, which continued to manufacture Clark sinks at the Revesby factory. At this time Dorf-Clark was owned by GWA International Ltd, which also owned Caroma, Rover and Sebel.
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Summary
Object Statement
Sink plug, 'Clark sink plug', rubber, designed by Alan Laws of Nielsen Design Associates, Hunter Hill, New South Wales, Australia, 1997, made by Anchor Plastics for Dorf Clark Industries Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,2005
Physical Description
Sink plug, 'Clark sink plug', rubber, designed by Nielsen Design Associates, made by Anchor Plastics for Dorf Clark Industries Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1997-2005 The black plug is a single disc with an assymmetrical undercut feature to allow easy removal from the sink by gloved hands or by people with limited dexterity. Maker's mark on top.
DIMENSIONS
Height
15 mm
Diameter
78 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The Clark sink plug was designed principally by Adam Laws of Nielsen Design Associates in Hunters Hill, NSW, in 1997. The product was computer modelled using the Alias program. Tooling was made in Australia and this plug was injection moulded by Anchor Plastics at Kirawee, NSW, for Dorf Clark Industries in 2005. In 2005 this type of Clark sink plug was sold with the majority of Clark kitchen sinks and laundry tubs throughout Australia and New Zealand. It was not available for sale as a single item. This is a standard black Clark sink plug. The plug was also produced in custom designs in blue and red made specifically for Nielsen Design Associates in the late 1990s.
HISTORY
Notes
This sink plug was displayed in the exhibition 'Sydney designers unplugged: people, process, product' from 6 August to 9 October 2005. It has not been used. The Clark sink plug has been sold with the majority of Clark kitchen sinks and laundry tubs since it was introduced in 1998. It has never been available for sale as a single item. Fred Clark Australia began making sinks and laundry tubs in 1941 and in 1967 opened a factory in Revesby, Sydney. By 2004 Fred Clark Australia had become part of Dorf-Clark Industries Ltd, which continued to manufacture Clark sinks at the Revesby manufacturing plant in NSW. At this time Dorf-Clark was owned by GWA International Ltd, which also owned Caroma, Rover and Sebel. Nielsen Design Associates, established by Carl Nielsen in 1961, was one of the first industrial design consulting businesses in Sydney. In 1985 Carl's first employee David Wood, became a director of the group along with senior designers Sandy McNeil and Adam Laws. David and Sandy are the group's current directors. From a studio in Hunters Hill, Nielsen's ten designers develop products for a broad range of industries, from telecommunications to medical devices. About half their work is for clients outside Australia, mainly in Europe and Asia.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Dorf Clark Industries Ltd, 2006
Acquisition Date
19 January 2006
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