Designer: Robert G. McKeown (1931 – 1989)

Item: Bubble Box

Manufactured by: Robert McKeown

Country of origin: United States

Year made: 1976

Materials: Wood with metal and resin inlays

Dimensions: 1 ½” x 4” x 2 ½”

Condition: Excellent near mint, with original trifold brochure

Description: Here is one of McKeown’s famous Bubble Box designs. This piece comes with its original brochure which came with the box when it was sold. Signed and dated on the bottom as shown. McKeown's pieces are among the finest examples of Studio American craftsmanship and design.

McKeown was a San Francisco Bay area artist best known for his use of resin, metal and other inlays in his wood objects. He was a graduate of the California College of Arts and Crafts and was a color theorist who won acclaim for his innovative resin inlays on a range of utilitarian objects. His work was exhibited nationally and internationally, including shows at the American Craft Museum in New York City, the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pennsylvania and the Yamaha Corporation American Craft Exhibit (1979-1980, Japan). He was a representative to the World Crafts Council Conference in Vienna in 1980. His body of work is somewhat limited because of his early death in 1989 at the age of 58. His works are becoming increasingly well recognized for their mastery of materials and design.

References: CA Design ‘76