Summaries

Synopsis

Walter Dorwin Teague is considered one of the founding fathers of industrial design as well as one of the most prolific American industrial designers in history. His most notable design work includes classic Kodak cameras, Texacos art deco gas stations, the Boeing Stratocruiser aircraft interior, the elegant Sparton Radios, Steinway pianos, Steuben glassware, and many exhibits at the 1939 World's Fair in New York.

As a young boy, Walter Dorwin Teague wanted to be an artist. Coming from a poor family, he was stuck in a tiny rural town in Indiana. Determined and ambitious, he struck out on his own, with $70 in his pocket, to find his dream in New York City. He studied art at night and, to earn a living, drew catalogue illustrations by day. His career as an illustrator developed, designing and drawing intricate advertisements.

After many years as a successful illustrator, he had an idyllic life, wealth, professional respect, a beautiful wife, three children, and his own home. But, Teague became incredibly bored, stuck in an unfulfilling career at 43 years old. He decided to close-up shop and, seeking inspiration and direction, he took a trip to Europe.

When he visited Paris in 1926 to see the vanguard of modern art, design and architecture, he was awestruck. His experiences there were so profound that Teague decided to completely change his career and create a new profession, a modern profession that brought together art and industry: industrial design. Thus began the career of one that would help shape a new America and define a modern profession.

This feature length documentary will tell the story of Teagues life, his rise to prominence, his turbulent relationship with his rebellious son, and the stories behind some of his greatest designs.