FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Art of Clairtone – The Making of a Design Icon May 9 – October 4 2008 In 1991, Design Exchange was given a G2 stereo by Frank Davies, one of the many talented designers who worked for Clairtone Sound Corporation during its short history. His donation marked the beginning of DX’s collection of Canadian design. In August 1996, DX struck a permanent collection committee to assemble Canadian design. Since then, the collection has grown to include historic and contemporary examples of decorative arts, furniture, graphic design, housewares, lighting, medical equipment, sporting goods, and tableware. But nothing is more distinctive than Clairtone’s Project G series. The Clairtone collection and archive at DX represent a major portion of our holdings and are an important part of Canadian design history. Clairtone represented the best of 1960s design. To celebrate Clairtone’s 50th anniversary, Design Exchange is honoured to work with the publishers McClelland & Stewart, the authors Nina Munk and Rachel Gotlieb, and the designer Barb Woolley to present The Art of Clairtone, The Making of a Design Icon. The “art” in the book’s title has multiple meanings––the graphic design, the industrial design of the Project G series, the engineering, and the photography. Perhaps most important is the manner in which all those elements came together to create a powerful Clairtone brand that stood for style and innovation and optimism. The creative team behind Clairtone brilliantly used the Clairtone logo, images, messages, and of course the renowned Project G itself to project a lasting impression of “cool.” Clairtone’s relationship with celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Oscar Peterson only added to the allure, as did its gregarious founders, Peter Munk and David Gilmour––resplendent in stylish suits, young, and “with-it.” For an object to become an icon, it must trigger a memory so significant that one instantly recognizes and recalls its importance: Tiffany blue, Burberry check, a Saarinen table, an Eames chair, and the Arne Jacobsen Egg chair, used cleverly in Clairtone’s marketing campaigns. Project G, which uses the most simple geometric forms in perfect proportion, inspires and delights with its contrasting materials––perforated metal and rosewood. Like all good design, which balances art and science, the sound of the G is enhanced by the spherical speakers. Project G is the legacy of Clairtone, the finest product produced during the company’s single decade of existence. Conceptually original, technically and functionally perfect, and aesthetically superior, Project G is the epitome of a design icon. Curated by Nina Munk and Rachel Gotlieb. This project is generously supported by the Peter Munk Charitable Foundation. Opening Reception May 9 at 6pm – Free Admission ABOUT THE DESIGN EXCHANGE: The Design Exchange (DX) is Canada’s design museum, with a mission to engage and educate Canadians about the value of design. It recognizes Canadian design and innovation as key elements in the cultural and economic fabric of our lives. It achieves its mandate through delivering design programs that include exhibitions, competitions, lectures and publications. The DX is a registered charity. The Design Exchange is located in the original historic Toronto Stock Exchange building at 234 Bay St., Toronto. Information is available by calling 416-216-2160 or visiting the DX web site at www.dx.org. Hours: Monday – Friday 9-5 Saturday – Sunday 12-5 Admission: $5 Adults $4 Seniors/Students Members Free Media Contact: Claudine Crangle, Director of Marketing, Sponsorship & PR: claudine@dx.org, 416-216-2134