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Viktor Schreckengost
Viktor Schreckengost
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Viktor Schreckengost Obituary
Schreckengost died Saturday while visiting family in Tallahassee, Fla., said Brenda Jackson of the Viktor Schreckengost Foundation on Sunday.
Schreckengost, a 2006 winner of the National Medal of Arts, was best known for his 1930s "Jazz Bowl" series, commissioned by Eleanor Roosevelt for the White House. The electric blue and black porcelain bowls, inspired by the sights and sounds of New York City, became icons of the Art Deco era.
Schreckengost incorporated fine design into mass-produced goods in an effort to make aesthetically pleasing, functional items available to everyone. His industrial designs include bicycles sold by Sears, iconic children's pedal wagons, lawn chairs, sit-down lawn mowers and even American Limoges dinnerware.
"It's function. That's what I was always attracted to," Schreckengost told The Associated Press in a 2006 interview. "You get to the basic form first and then the color and texture and all the other stuff added to it so it becomes very complicated, even though it appears simple."
His innovations spanned several industries. He helped design the first cab-over-engine truck in 1932 for the White Motor Co., which increased hauling capacity. He was lead designer for bicycles and toy pedal cars for the Murray Ohio Co. from 1938 to 1972, and designed printing presses for the Harris-Seybold and Chandler Harris companies.
Schreckengost was born in 1906 in Sebring, a commercial pottery town near Youngstown. He studied ceramics at the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Kunstgewerbeschule in Vienna, and taught at the Cleveland Institute of Art in the early 1930s.
During World War II, he joined the Navy, where he was recruited to develop a system for radar recognition which won him a commendation from the Secretary of the Navy.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
25 Entries
Richard Foley
February 16, 2008
God bless Viktor and his family. I was an engineer with the Harris-Seybold Co. and fondly remember working with his company as they coordinated the colors and appearance of our graphic arts equipment.
Chip Thole
February 2, 2008
A most creative and prolific designer, a supreme example to all who wish to create.
John Zagara
January 30, 2008
On behalf of myself, family and staff at Zagara's, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of Mr. Schreckengost. His work has and continues to inspire and enrich so many... his gentle humility graced us all. Our hearts and thoughts go out to you especially at this time and in the days ahead.
Renate Jakupca
January 30, 2008
ARK in Berea - Like many other fans, American Cultural Ambassadors David and Renate Jakupca were was deeply saddened to hear of this of Victor's passing. He was truly a gift to all of us! His talent was immense and his potential was limitless. It was a honor, as fellow artists, to have witnessed his growth as an designer in the many roles he undertook. With that beautiful and genuine smile that warmed the heart, Victor captured the hearts of many. Our sincere condolences go to the Schreckengost family and the rest of his many friends and fans. Gain comfort in knowing that he was truly beloved.
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darlene royster
January 30, 2008
virgene, I want you to know that I am still here for you and the family, and thanks for the opportunity for me to work with Viktor, I will miss him dearly.
kim taylor
January 29, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Viktor. I will cherish the memories and pictures i have of him when i met him for the first time this past summer in sebring, ohio. He will be greatly missed by all!!!! God Bless.
Sandra Laessig
January 29, 2008
Robert and I feel both honored and blessed to have been a friend.
Sandra and Robert Laessig
Gary & Janet Fortney
January 29, 2008
Virgene, we want to send our sympathy and for you to know we are thinking of you. We loved Vik's stories. He was so unique and a joy to listen too, besides seeing all the things he had made.
What an inspiration for so many.
Love, Janet & Gary
Beth Schick
January 28, 2008
I will greatly miss my Great Uncle Vik. He was such an inspiration to myself and so many others. I will always remember his laughter, his smile, and the wonderful drawings he made in all my childhood birthday cards. What a remarkable life to have lived and to have shared so much with others. Love you..
Mary Twiford
January 28, 2008
As a little girl, I attended the Saturday art classes at the Museum many times.. Mr. Schreckengost's face was very familiar to me..My artist Mother took me, religiously, every Sat. for a long time.. Thank you for a lifelong love of the Cleveland, and many other,museums....The swans, "The Thinker", the dinosaur,the "Boy With
Turtle", Wade Park and the great beauty there will remain in my heart for ever.. 'Tis true, one person DOES make a difference..Mary June O'Connor Twiford.,[email protected].
Carol Davis
January 28, 2008
I did not know Mr. Schreckengost, but I loved his watercolors. I especially admired the paintings he did for the local public television auction. I could never afford one, but I sure enjoyed looking. Rest in peace.
Randy Morris
January 28, 2008
RIP MR. Schreckengost thank u for all your knowledge & skills. To the family you have all my eternal prays and sympathy.
Marjorie Juba
January 28, 2008
So sad to hear of his passing. Was privileged to have seen his exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art a few years back and of finding out how much his work interacted with mine. Have a copy of one of his pedal planes for kids hanging in the room my grandson sleeps in when he visits. Such great mind. He'll be missed and loved by many for certain. God bless you.
Mary Beth Cassey
January 28, 2008
Dear Gene,
I am so sorry for your lose. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God has been gracious in His acceptance of Viktor to His kingdom.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
January 28, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Schreckengost family in the loss of Viktor.
Karen Woodcock
January 27, 2008
I saw some of his pottery years ago. It was very beautiful. Mr. Schreckengost had the face of a loving friend. I am sure he was that to many people. We need more like him. I am sorry for your loss.
Valli (Lukehart) Finney
January 27, 2008
I never knew Mr. Schreckengost, but he sounded like a wonderful man. I live in Tallahassee and was wondering if he had a relative by the name of "Robbie" who lived in Bellefontaine, Ohio, in 1967-68? I've always wondered what happened to him as he was my "boyfriend" in first grade. If Mr. Schreckengost was related to Robbie, then I can understand where Robbie got his manners and sensitivity. We had just moved to the area, and Robbie took me underwing. I'll never forget the Schreckengost family. ([email protected])
Will McMurphy
January 27, 2008
Thank you for making a real difference in this world. You will be missed.
Chauntai Allen
January 27, 2008
May God be with Viktor Schreckengost family at this time.
Don't be sad because he's up in heaven looking down on you now.
Keep your heads up because God knows best.....
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