One highlight of the Chicago Modernism Show was a rare appearance of designer and artist Hugh Acton.

Acton presented an array of his contemporary copper sculpture and jewelry as well as samplings of his iconic mid-century modern furniture designs. These works included a bench and a sofa – both crisp designs featuring metal legs and vinyl upholstery -- as well as his wood slat, metal-leg bench.

The wood bench emerged in 1955 during his days as a student at the storied Cranbrook Academy in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. The bench frequently appears at mid-century sales and auctions.

Now Acton is tooling up to produce it again. The reissue will feature highly polished stainless steel legs. These, the designer explained, are more environmentally friendly to make than the chrome-plated originals. The walnut slats are protected by a natural linseed oil/wax finish. Acton is in negotiations with a major retailer to distribute the reissued bench.

A rarer sight than his furniture, Acton’s copper sculptures typically aren’t seen far from his Michigan farm. Most are created for his own use or for sale to friends, he said. The crumpled shapes range from columnar totems to shield-like panels. Heat and patination bring rich color and dimension to the red metal. Acton’s cuff bracelets and rings are wearable versions of the sculptures.

At 81, Acton continues to participate in Triathlon competitions as he has for decades.

“He’s probably better known in Michigan for his athleticism than his design,” Dorothy quipped.

“I am a bit of a fitness fanatic,” added Acton.

After studies at Cranbrook, Acton worked in GM’s Technical Center. He then launched his own companies to produce his furniture, which included storage units and coat/hat racks, as well as tabletop goods. He sold both firms to Brunswick Corp. in the mid-1960s, but retained ownership of his more craft-intensive designs.

Acton’s most ubiquitous creation is the Acton Stacker steel and polypropylene chair, first issued by American Seating in 1976 and still in production. Hundreds of thousands are in use, often in educational and institutional settings.

Back to CBB Modernism Show 2007


Article by Dan Obermaier
Photos are by Jill Obermaier