Toaster designed by Marc Newson for Sunbeam
Object No. 2021/99/2
This toaster is from the limited summer 15/16 collection designed by renowned Australian designer Marc Newson for Sunbeam. The toaster’s design represents Newson’s signature curved style and bright colour selections, and marks his first collaboration with this iconic manufacturer of small kitchen appliances. It is Newson’s first and only toaster design and continues a tradition of working with prestigious international brands to develop his aesthetic on products for everyday use. Newson's collaboration with Sunbeam to design everyday appliances was natural and logical to the designer. Having never designed such kitchen appliances, he stated 'being Australian, I appreciate Sunbeam as an iconic brand that has been part of our kitchen history for many decades - It made perfect sense for me to become involved not only from the perspective of a designer, but also as a consumer'. Sunbeam appliances have been a staple of the modern Australian home since the early 20th century. Toasters in particular have always been an important part of Sunbeam’s Australian product range. The company launched its first pop up toaster in Australia in 1955 and continued to diversify their range as the appliance transitioned from being a luxury item to an affordable everyday appliance, with market demand growing into the 1960s. The return of the luxury appliance in the 21st century has been characterised by a retro aesthetic and designer collaborations. Prepared by Bree McDonald, Intern, under supervision of Nina Earl, Assistant Curator, 2020
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Summary
Object Statement
Toaster, 'Signature Orange', plastic / stainless steel, designed by Marc Newson, made by Sunbeam, China, 2015
Physical Description
The rectangular coloured electric 2 slice toaster consists of the main body component and a detachable crumb tray base, that rests beneath the entire toaster. The toaster has a stainless steel top with two heating elements inside. On the bottom middle of each side, designer Marc Newson’s signature is printed under the Sunbeam logo. On the front of the toaster are three silver function buttons and a silver circular timer dial. On the back, the electrical cord is located at the bottom centre below a stainless-steel grate centred at the top. The cord is attached with a spherical, black plastic cord tidy. This model is in colour 'Signature Orange’. This orange toaster has its original electrical safety tag attached to the cord.
PRODUCTION
Notes
This toaster was designed by Australian designer Marc Newson in collaboration with Sunbeam for a limited seasonal sale in Australia as part of Sunbeam’s 2015/2016 summer collection catalogue. The colours, ‘Lucite Green’ and ‘Signature Orange’ are two of seven different colours produced. Additional colours are ‘Onyx Black’, ‘Bakelite Red’, ‘Vivid Blue’, ‘Carrara White’ and ‘Vibrant Yellow’. The appliances were manufactured in China by Sunbeam in 2015. The toaster received an Australian Good Design Award - Gold in 2016.
HISTORY
Notes
This toaster was retained by Sunbeam as a production sample until offered to the Museum in 2020. These toasters were designed by influential and innovative Australian designer Marc Newson and produced by Sunbeam in 2015. Graduating from Sydney College of the Arts in 1984, Marc Newson’s career has been characterised by significant collaborations with Australian companies such as Qantas Airways Ltd, and R.M. Williams, as well as renowned international companies including Apple, Louis Vuitton and Ferrari. Newson’s versatile design portfolio ranges from furniture and homewares, to interiors and watches, to a car and a bicycle. Founded in America, the Australian history of Sunbeam dates back to 1904 when a small branch of the American-based Chicago Flexible Shaft Company opened in Sydney. The company later became Cooper Engineering Company (CEC) and in 1946 its name changed to Sunbeam as its focus shifted to small appliances. Sunbeam in Australia remained part of the American parent company until it became Australian-owned in 1987. In 2005, Sunbeam Australia was part of the Australasian manufacturing and marketing company GUD Holdings Ltd along with Victa, Davey, Oates and Ryco companies.’ Sunbeam is no longer an Australian owned company. In 2014, GUD sold its 49% share to its US-based joint venture partner Sunbeam Products Inc trading as Jarden Consumer Solutions. In 2016, it sold the remaining 51% of its Sunbeam stake to the same company. The first Sunbeam appliance to be made in Australia was the Mixmaster 9B in 1948. This product was an American design that became famous in Australia and around the world. It wasn’t until the 1970s-80s that Sunbeam first began designing appliances in Australia and employed its first industrial designers. The first products developed in the 1970s were a vertical grill, a horizontal grill, toasters and steam irons. Prior to this product designs were imported from the US and manufactured here, with little alteration which would be done by engineers. Sunbeam’s Campsie factory closed in July 2002 and the company was subsequentially restructured and all manufacturing moved off-shore. In 2005 the company was designing about 25 new products a year in its Botany studio. These designs were made by Chinese manufacturers and sold by Sunbeam and other companies around the world.’ https://collection.maas.museum/object/355500
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Sunbeam, 2021
Acquisition Date
26 October 2021
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