Overview
 
Although aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust, it has been commercially available only since the late nineteenth century. During the twentieth century, lightweight, durable aluminum became one of the most important materials of modern industry, allowing for crucial developments in aviation and architecture, as well as countless improvements in all manner of domestic products. Immediately labeled a "metal of the future," aluminum is still being developed into new alloys and inspiring new uses in high-tech industries, as well as in fashion, furniture, and other consumer goods. Because it can be recycled easily, without appreciable degradation, aluminum will no doubt continue to challenge designers well into the twenty-first century and beyond.

Inventing Aluminum 

The Modernist Ideal

Politics and Promotion

Crossing Boundaries

Recycling Aluminum

Miralda's Home Tender Home

Aluminum by Design: Jewelry to Jets is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Alcoa Foundation.

The presentation of Aluminum by Design: Jewelry to Jets in Miami is supported by Audi of America, Inc., which also provided significant support for the national exhibition, and by Starwood Urban Investments and Dacra and the Miami Design District. 

Troika Germany, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Energy Brands, Luminaire, Akerman Senterfitt,  Emeco, ICF Group, the Perrier Group, Ball Metal Beverage Container, and Cawy Bottling, Co. are also contributors to the Miami exhibition.

Additional major support has been provided by The Roy A. Hunt Foundation, The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

This exhibition was organized by Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh.

FEATURED OBJECT:
Sculpture, Wrestler, 1929
Dudley Vaill Talcott (American, 1899-1986)
Shown at the Tenth Olympic Games, Los Angeles, CA, 1932
Aluminum
TD1991.36.1

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