Description: Hand sculptures have an intriguing history. The designer and artist, James Prestini, renowned for his turned bowls and sculptures, taught at the Chicago Design Institute and The New Bauhaus during the late 1930s and early 1950s. He was mentored by prominent figures like Moholy-Nagy, Mies van de Rohe, and Hin Bredendieck. In 1956, at the request of Professor Jesse Reichek, Prestini established the “College of Environmental Design” in the Wurster Hall building at Cal Berkeley. It was considered the best institution in the country at the time, praised for its facilities and instructors. During Prestini’s tenure as a professor, students at both the New Bauhaus and later at Cal Berkeley created sculptures like this one. The purpose of these sculptures was to teach students how to work with materials, particularly wood, and to design objects that were visually appealing and enjoyable to hold. This particular sculpture is a remnant from that era at Cal Berkeley, created by an unidentified student.
Measurements: 5.5” x 3” x 3” h
Condition: Very good
Origin: California
Period: 1960s
*Items are all vintage and should be considered before purchasing. Please dm via instagram or email at @modernproblemshop@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
Description: Hand sculptures have an intriguing history. The designer and artist, James Prestini, renowned for his turned bowls and sculptures, taught at the Chicago Design Institute and The New Bauhaus during the late 1930s and early 1950s. He was mentored by prominent figures like Moholy-Nagy, Mies van de Rohe, and Hin Bredendieck. In 1956, at the request of Professor Jesse Reichek, Prestini established the “College of Environmental Design” in the Wurster Hall building at Cal Berkeley. It was considered the best institution in the country at the time, praised for its facilities and instructors. During Prestini’s tenure as a professor, students at both the New Bauhaus and later at Cal Berkeley created sculptures like this one. The purpose of these sculptures was to teach students how to work with materials, particularly wood, and to design objects that were visually appealing and enjoyable to hold. This particular sculpture is a remnant from that era at Cal Berkeley, created by an unidentified student.
Measurements: 5.5” x 3” x 3” h
Condition: Very good
Origin: California
Period: 1960s
*Items are all vintage and should be considered before purchasing. Please dm via instagram or email at @modernproblemshop@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
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