Port of Call for The Arts & Antiques

Lucite:   Did you know…….?

You may have noticed that Port of Mystery is featuring a collection of  Jewelry from the 1950’s.   Many of the listed pieces are made from a plastic product commonly known as Lucite (sometimes referred to as Thermo Lucite or Thermoses).

 

I had always thought of Lucite as a relatively “new” plastic.  I never really thought much beyond what I believed to be  common knowledge; that Lucite jewelry could be identified as having been made from a type of  transparent, colorless “imitation” glass.  Although that description may apply to a very small percentage of the jewelry created in this  medium, it certainly does not do justice to the  stunning variety of  pieces which have been created using Lucite since it’s introduction to consumers in 1937.   ……  1937  ?????

 

That’s right, DuPont introduced Lucite to the general public in June of 1937, touting it as “an Amazing New Plastic” ,saying further that ‘”Lucite” is DuPont's registered trademark for its methyl methacrylate plastic, formally known as “Pontalite.”  Pontalite (now known as Lucite) was actually developed sometime earlier in the 1930’s.  How does that date compare to the timeline associated with other more well known plastics?

 

Celluloid was trademarked in 1868. And although  Dr. Leo Hendrik Baekeland introduced Bakelite to the world in 1907, it’s popularity for use in making jewelry , notions and buttons was not widespread until after the 1938 New York exhibit of modern plastics, the New York World’s Fair (1939).

 

In 2007, Lucite will celebrate it’s 80 year birthday.  If you utilize the European standard of 100 years as the point for determining if an artifact is antique , you may just begin to understand why so many collectors are focusing their attention on this form of artistic expression.

 

I encourage you to take the time and examine the Thermo Lucite pieces currently being featured in the Port of Mystery Collection.  The depth of color and iridescent glow captured in the process of making Thermo Lucite is unique and unmistakable. It’s quite possible that you will be captured by the beauty inherent in these pieces, as was I.  If so, please revisit the Port of Mystery soon, for more additions to the collection.  Further articles focusing on Plastics are currently scheduled for ‘entry’ to the port…….Laura

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