tube-shaped blue, grey and chrome vacuum with tan tube and attachments that snap onto handle

"Electrolux" vacuum cleaner, model 30, c. 1950 (designed 1937)

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Its sleigh feet, horizontal "speed lines," and chrome plating gave the impression that cleaning would be a breeze, and its bold graphics on a red background proclaimed the name brand. The Electrolux Model 30 was the second generation of the canister vacuum, pioneered by the company in 1924. Guild's streamlined Model 30, introduced in 1937, was extremely successful. This versatile vacuum also had a polishing attachment, a floor cleaner, and vaporizer for dipersing moth crystals.

Lurelle Guild's corporate clients included Westinghouse, Alcoa, and Electrolux, and he helped to modernize the "new" material of aluminum through his product designs. But it was Guild's Electrolux Model 30, however, for which he is best known. Unlike many manufacturers at this time, who practiced the annual model change, Electrolux manufactured this popular vacuum cleaner, with few tweaks, into the 1950s.

Details
Title
"Electrolux" vacuum cleaner, model 30
Artist Life
1898-1986
Role
Designer
Accession Number
2000.175a-m
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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tube-shaped blue, grey and chrome vacuum with tan tube and attachments that snap onto handle