Rainbow

The man who put a rainbow in my kitchen cupboard died last month. His name was Alan Heller, a manufacturer of high quality, iconic plastic housewares and furniture.

Mr.Heller was born in New York in 1940. Rainbows ran in his family. His father manufactured aluminum housewares, most notably rainbow-colored, stacking tumblers, a staple of midcentury design. ( We have these in our cupboard as well.)

The dinnerware that made Alan Heller famous was not his design. The cleverly stacking dishes were created by Massimo Vignelli, an award winning Italian designer. After seeing the Vignelli dinnerware at the Museum of Contemporary Craft in New York, Mr. Heller convinced the design team of Massimo and Lella Vignelli to let him manufacture a slightly altered version for the American market. Because Americans do not start the day with a few sips of espresso, a large mug with a “waterfall handle” joined the stacking plates and bowls. Plus, the Vignellis did not think in technicolor. The brilliant hues were entirely Heller’s innovation.

The dishes were an instant success; high design married to quality manufacturing…and they were affordable. Our plates are fifty years old, well used and looking brand new.

And then there is the goose. Anyone who lived through the 70s and 80s probably remembers Gladys. She was a life-sized plastic goose that lighted up, a creation of Alan Heller who was known for his sense of humor. Our little girl had a Gladys lamp which stayed with her for many years.

In today’s world, the word “plastic” is most often associated with the words “cheap”, “disposable” and “unenvironmental”. But fifty years ago, Alan Heller proved that plastic, properly manufactured, could have both style and durability. His plastic products do not end up in landfills. They are passed down in families or are sold as midcentury treasures in antique stores.

Massimo Vignelli, stated, “If you do it right, it will last forever”. His lifelong friend, Alan Heller, proved him right.

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