HUGH ACTON — January 20 - March 13, 2011

The Design Gallery at Design Quest exhibits the work of Michigan artist, Hugh Acton. Acton presents an array of his contemporary copper sculpture and jewelry as well as samplings of his iconic mid-century modern furniture designs.

Hugh Acton is a modern renaissance man, nationally recognized as a furniture designer, artist, inventor, athlete and philosopher. A Michigan architect and furniture designer Huge Action is known for his metal and wood furniture benches and seating in the 1950's. The Hugh Action Bench of 1954 had a large commercial success, the slat wood and brass Scandanavian style bench/coffee table was very popular and iconic for the era. The Acton Stacker z-shaped chair and related seating line is currently produced by the American Seating Company.

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. 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.

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.

Hugh Acton on exhibit in the Design Gallery

Acton presents an array of his contemporary copper sculpture and jewelry as well as samplings of his iconic mid-century modern furniture designs.

Planters and Lamp

Aluminum planters (10"Ø, 15"Ø, 20"Ø), NFS
Lamp on Table base (16”Ø x 15” H), NFS

Plank Bench, Copper Wall Sculpture, Bookends

Six leg Plank Bench, Walnut, 84” x 16” x 15” H, NFS
Copper wall sculpture, 18" X 60" hung vertically or horizontally, $700
Solid steel book ends, 3” x 6”H each, NFS

Close up detail of Copper Wall Sculpture, $700

As Hugh Acton says, “No two are alike.”

Plank Bench, Cherry, $850

Rondo circular glass shelving in the background

Close up of plank bench and bookends Six leg Plank Bench, Walnut: 84” x 16” x 15” H, NFS Solid steel book ends: 3” x 6”H each, NFS	Flame Painted Copper, Accepting Offers Four leg cherry beam bench: 20 x 14 x 11” H, $952 Cherry wood 2 drawer unit: 58” x 18”x 14.5”H, $300

Marble End Table, 20”Ø X 17” H, NFS

White Marble Sculpture 10 x 12 x 15”H, NFS	The Beginning Crushed Copper Wall Hung Sculpture, 24” W x 57” H, $3000

Standing Copper Sculpture 36" high, stone base, $650	Acton Stacking Chairs, NFS Acton’s most ubiquitous creation is the Acton Stacker steel and polypropylene chair, first issued by American Seating in 1976 and still in production.

Lunar

Crushed Copper wall sculpture 27"Ø, $150

Crushed Copper Floor and Wall sculptures Standing sculpture: 80" high, $1200 Wall Sculpture: 24” W x 57” H, $3000	Standing Copper Sculpture 30" high,wood base, $300

Solid Steel Book Ends

3” x 6” H each, NFS

Magazine Rack Chrome, 21” Ø x 24.5” H, NFS	Rondo Shelving stands Glass and Chrome 20” Ø x 20”, 29”, or 68” H with adj. Feet, $160, $240 & $550

Crushed Metal Bracelets

Silver crushed metal bracelet on left, $185
Copper crushed metal bracelet on right, $75

One of a kind Bracelet of Balls; Silver Orbital Bracelet

Bracelet of balls, NFS
Orbital Series bracelet, $250
Orbital Series; these pieces are hand-crafted from heavy Sterling Silver wire which has been preformed in triangular, square or round bar shapes.

Orbital Series Necklace and Bracelet

Sterling Silver necklace, $300
Matching Silver Bracelet, $200