Braun Known for Clean-Lined Design

The New York Times February 5, 1964

Braun, the German manufacturer of small appliances, was founded in the 1920s and, by the time this article was written in 1964, had become a major producer of radios, shavers, kitchen appliances, and more. Along with such companies as Olivetti, Braun set standards in postwar European product design thatreceivedattention in the United States as well. As this New York Times author notes, it was Braun’s sleek, simplified design that helped the brand establish itself as a household name in Germany and abroad. Braun products became available to American consumers in the early 1960s and were featured in design exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art.

“Each product looks exactly like what it is supposed to be, whether it is a radio or a toaster. It is only incidental that it looks as modern as tomorrow. . . . ‘We aim to make appliances like an English butler – You don’t notice him until you need him, but when you do need him, he is always there.'”

Article available through ProQuest (subscription required)

O’Brien, George. “Braun Known for Clean-Lined Design.”The New York Times, Feb. 5, 1964, p. 26.

Citation Information

The following information is provided for citations.

  • Article Title Braun Known for Clean-Lined Design
  • Author
  • Keywords Braun, design, Frankfurt, appliances, radio, shaver, Dr. Fritz Eichler, Max Braun, Dieter Rams,
  • Website Name Transatlantic Perspectives
  • URL
  • Access Date October 1, 2023
  • Publisher German Historical Institute
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update October 26, 2021