Streamlining Reconsidered

Working on the Mystic Seaport Museum's summer 2020 show (Streamlined, From Hull to Home) got me thinking it might be useful to share some of the revelations that came my way about the science of streamlining, the Streamline Style in design, and why we need to reconsider the origin story.

[@notpurrfect6397]

The first PanAm planes were called clippers, like the boats, and the cabin crews wore nautical-themed uniforms. Fun to learn about the history of that relationships between nautical ships and air ships. Thank you!

[@crypter27]

I like the utilitarian nature of streamlining!

[@DavidMichiels]

Thank you for the interesting lecture. Surprising that these speed whiskers had practical purposes like heat syncing and adding structural rigidity.

[@mrmoon...]

I adore your lectures!

[@josieTheDuck]

Thanks so much for sharing this lecture! I loved the travel iron "Smoothie" and I am really shocked how advanced was American technology and design as in Soviet Union of that time there were no travel irons or cocktail ice crashers or anything like that. This is very informative for me also from historical and cultural perspective seeing how technology was coming to day to day life.

[@HistoryofID]

I was surprised to discover how easy it is to get a Smoothie iron. I love mine; they are TINY!

[@anubisswift]

A Gentleman and a Scholar

[@MikeMiller-fc2cc]

You should show a stock 26-27model T compared to 26-27 Track nosed Model T race car

[@throughart88]

Thank you very much.

[@nordfaen]

Thank YOU very much 😁

[@cherylsmith4826]

Thank you

[@jamesboekbinder3967]

Great lecture! Question: did the design of the clipper ships, and certain horse-drawn vehicles like the phaeton also play a role in familiarising people with streamlining?

[@HistoryofID]

Well, everything comes from somewhere and most things come from multiple somewheres so anything is possible. Pretty much all "advances" are made by revising something existing if you peel off enough layers.....

[@danialhowe9814]

deco, modern, streamline ....inspired, uplifted and stirred imagination vs now... lifeless and soulless square and blocky

[@crypter27]

So true

[@girliedog]

We had an Electrolux when I was a child. I had dreams about holding onto the end of the hose and floating through the air. What was that all about?

[@HistoryofID]

I can't explain that. But I do love imagining it!

[@LeendertCordemans]

What are streamline desgn cameras.

[@mrmoon...]

How to get in touch with you?

[@peter50555.]

Led to ergonomics…

[@plorpins]

The Algorithm was kind today.

[@oscarpalm4863]

"...in museum collections around the world...", then mentions two places, both in the USA. Hmmm...