Brauer Museum of Art, Valparaiso University
Serving Up a Slice of America
Railroad travel was once the most stylish, gracious, and exciting way to get from point A to point B. American Railroad China: Image and Experience, The Jay W. Christopher Transportation China Collection by railroad historian and strategic research specialist Chuck Kratz, examines railroad china design as an instrument of corporate brand building and an intriguing episode of American design history.
In addition to showcasing photographs of the era’s beautiful plates, cups and saucers, teapots, and other serving pieces—some by industrial design pioneers Dreyfuss, Loewy, and Cotler—the book offers a thoughtful and engaging written history. A wealth of period photos, ephemera, and even recipes (Capital Limited Oyster Pie, anyone?) vividly portray the dining car as a major source of pride and brand differentiation for the many passenger railroads that once crisscrossed the country.
Awards, Recognition, News
Included in the Communication Arts Design Annual. Selected as a winner in the 2009 American Association of Museum Publications Design Competition.
