Another MCM Reissue?
It appears that Dansk, a company known for their great midcentury design, have decided to re-release a series of their wonderful Jens Quistgaard designed pepper grinders. These classic shapes are fantastic and I wish retailer Crate & Barrel the best of luck in this endeavor ... but I have to admit experiencing a slight shudder going down my spine when I learned of this latest classic design to be introduced to a contemporary market. The source of my disdain is that the new line will be made of Acacia instead of Quistgaard's original specification to use Teak, much like Bauer Potteries' decision to sell Russel Wright's classic American Modern dinnerware re-release in their Fiesta Ware colors. I have serious problems with contemporary companies deciding they know better than the designer of the items they are for all intents and purposes knocking off. Call me a purist if you will, but reissuing a line should be done with the greatest respect to the talented designers of our past. Changing a designer's work is the most egregious disrespect in my opinion.
- 08.26.10
Brian commented: Over an appx 2-year period, I was fortunate to find a total of 4 vintage Dansk teak peppermills at thrift stores. They ranged in price from 53 cents to $2. Unfortunately, last year due to 8 months of "unplanned time off from work," I had to sell them to help make ends meet.
- 8.26.10
Scott commented: Amen to that, Dawn!
I actually used to have a pretty decent collection of about 10 shapes, Brian. The same thing happened to me, though ... I sold them all to cover unexpected expenses several years ago. Fortunately the market was HOT for them when I sold, but I haven't seen an example "in the wild" since early 2006. Four and a half years ago!
- 8.26.10
- Website
robert devine commented: Hi Scott,
Just off the top of my head I can think of only one reissue that has been even remotely sucessful and that's Fiesta and you know what Thats a good thing!!
Call me oldfashion however objects that were designed/created/produced in the past served a specific need/poupose at that point in time. Objects that are re-issued years later serve only one purpose imho and that has more to do with the almighty dollar than the actual need they propose and to tell you the truth they dont really care I wish them alot of luck!!
best,
robert
- 8.27.10
Dawn commented: Of course, you know I agree with you. It is a pity that the designer's creativity and intent will be watered down/remarketed for another generation who will never have the opportunity to know the innovation and reasoning and understanding that went into the original design. What's the point? If creativity is endless, why not create something new? Call me a purist, too. Things need to be what they are, what they were meant to be.
This is a pity, too, because I am in the market for a fabulous pepper grinder and this might have fit the bill. But it's back to Sur La Table or Williams Sonama for me.
Hope all is well with you and yours!