Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

What is a calculator doing here?

When the American Art curator gave us a tour of these galleries, she reminded us that this calculator was really cutting-edge when it was first made. The clear silicone (the "squishy" plastic-like material) allows light to reach the solar-power battery; plus, it's unbreakable if the calculator is dropped or crushed. It also shows us exactly what's inside the object.

Many of those objects were innovative when they were first produced in their use of materials, or in their approach to shape/form. They're all everyday objects, too. Those little blue ceramics took a new approach to design because they were really made to be used by an adult holding a baby easy to grip when your hands are otherwise full!

You could also compare the calculator to other items in that case that use transparent materials -- but glass, instead of silicone! -- for see-through effects.

Hi! We were surprised by the Squishmatician Calculator by Harry Allen in the case with dishes. Can you tell us more about that and the decision to put those objects in the same group on display?

When the American Art curator gave us a tour of these galleries, she reminded us that this calculator was really cutting-edge when it was first made. The clear silicone (the "squishy" plastic-like material) allows light to reach the solar-powered battery; plus, it's unbreakable if the calculator is dropped or crushed.

It also shows us exactly what's inside the object. Many of the objects in that case were innovative when they were first produced in their use of materials, or in their approach to shape/form. They're all everyday objects, too!

There are some other transparent objects nearby, as well including some glassware, and a chair by Louis Dierra.

Squishmatician Calculator

Decorative Arts and Design

DESIGNER Harry Allen, American, born 1964

MANUFACTURER Design Ideas

MEDIUM Silicone, rubber, electronic components

Place Manufactured: Springfield, Illinois, United States

DATES Designed 1997

DIMENSIONS 5 x 3 x 3/4 in. (12.7 x 7.6 x 1.9 cm)

MARKINGS (needs to be checked)

COLLECTIONS Decorative Arts and Design

ACCESSION NUMBER 2001.11

CREDIT LINE Gift of Design Ideas

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Calculator in form of low rectangular box made out of slab of colorless silicone. Embedded into the silicone (below the top surface) are: rectangular LED display window, smaller rectangular solar power strip, and key pad. All of the keys are black with white lettering, except for the "On" and "+" keys which are green with white letters. Internal electronic components and wiring are visible through the body. Condition: Excellent.

EXHIBITIONS

American Identities: A New Look

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view