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Louis Christiann Kalff

Electromagnetic Speaker (model 2007)

1926

Philite, iron, paper, electromagnetic coil

Not on view

Kalff's circular design, affectionately nicknamed "shaving-plate" or "flying saucer," was Philips's first acoustic product, rapidly followed by radio receivers and the launch of the company's own radio station. The loudspeaker employs an electro-magnetic system and paper cone placed between the two disks, the larger of which serves as a sound reflector. The use of a modern synthetic material (Philite), mains electricity and the object's pure geometric form exemplified Kalff's modernist principles, and his characterization of good Dutch design as "reliable, simple and inexpensive."

Gallery label from

Making Music Modern: Design for Ear and Eye, November 15, 2014–January 17, 2016.

Manufacturer Philips & Co., Eindhoven, the Netherlands
Medium Philite, iron, paper, electromagnetic coil
Dimensions 18 7/8 x 17 11/16 x 6 11/16" (48 x 45 x 17 cm)
Credit Committee on Architecture and Design Funds
Object number 756.2014
Department Architecture & Design

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