Model FPR 2
Portable Radio
1997 (designed), 1997 (made)
1997 (designed), 1997 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The FPR 2 portable radio is the successor to the revolutionary Freeplay Portable Radio, FPR 1 (W.5-1996). The wind-up mechanism, invented by Trevor Baylis, has been improved for this model to produce one hour of playtime (compared with 40 minutes for the FPR 1). It has been restyled to be smaller, lighter, and visually more appealing. The winding handle which operates the mechanism is less obvious, being concealed at the rear, as opposed to being exposed at the side as it is on the FPR 1.
The body of the FPR 2 was designed in-house by Baygen. [John Hutchinson was the in-house designer at the Baygen Power Company. He collaborated with Syzygy, a South African based product design company.]
This example was acquired as a gift from the manufacturer at the time of the product's UK launch.
Historical significance: The design of the FPR 2 evokes the 'classic' asymmetical streamlined sets of the 1930s-50s, for example the Tesla Talisman radio, c 1939 (W.28-1992) and the Fada Bullet Radio of 1940 (W.26-1992). By imbuing the product with a fashionable nostalgia for earlier radio styling and disguising the innovative technology and winding handle by placing them inside and at the rear the manufacturer was attempting to move into the mainstream audio market.
The body of the FPR 2 was designed in-house by Baygen. [John Hutchinson was the in-house designer at the Baygen Power Company. He collaborated with Syzygy, a South African based product design company.]
This example was acquired as a gift from the manufacturer at the time of the product's UK launch.
Historical significance: The design of the FPR 2 evokes the 'classic' asymmetical streamlined sets of the 1930s-50s, for example the Tesla Talisman radio, c 1939 (W.28-1992) and the Fada Bullet Radio of 1940 (W.26-1992). By imbuing the product with a fashionable nostalgia for earlier radio styling and disguising the innovative technology and winding handle by placing them inside and at the rear the manufacturer was attempting to move into the mainstream audio market.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Titles |
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| Materials and techniques | ABS plastic |
| Brief description | Radio, 'Freeplay Portable Radio', model FPR-2, designed by John Hutchinson and Syzygy, made by Baygen Power Group, ABS plastic, 1997 |
| Physical description | A small, compact, charcoal grey coloured radio with carry handle made from hard-wearing ABS plastic. Case edges rounded to give a streamlined appearance. Viewed from the front there is a speaker covered by plastic grill to the left; on the right hand side are the frequency indicator, on/off switch, and two black control knobs for tuning and volume. Brand logos in yellow/white/blue appear in the bottom right corner and add a touch of colour. Further controls and socket for headphones found on pr side of radio. Aerial and winding handle at the back. Four rubber feet pads on the underside. |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Mass produced |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'Freeplay / Freepower' (Brand; front bottom right-hand corner) |
| Gallery label | Twentieth Century Gallery, Room 74:
PORTABLE RADIO, model FPR 2
Designed by Mike Hutchinson, 1997
Manufactured by Baygen Power Group, South Africa, 1997
ABS Plastic body
W.2-1997
Given by Baygen Power Europe Ltd
Smaller, lighter and more stylish than its predecessor, displayed nearby, this radio uses a clockwork mechanism in place of batteries. When fully wound, it has up to one hour of playtime. The asymmetric styling recalls streamline radios of the mid-century. It is principally aimed at the outdoor leisure market in the developed world, rather than for use in emergency situations in the third world, like the original Freeplay radio.
[nb error at line 2 - should be John Hutchinson - see RF 1997/937](05/08/1997) |
| Credit line | Given by Baygen Power Europe Ltd. |
| Historical context | The first Baygen Freeplay portable radio (W.5-1996) was conceived for use in the developing world, to provide a source of power for communications in remote areas. In the development of the FPR 2, internal mechanisms and styling were refined in attempt to take the product into the mainstream market. It was marketed to ecologically-aware consumers in the developed world as the second generation Freeplay, perfect for outdoor leisure use and emergencies or power failures. |
| Production | Reason For Production: Retail |
| Summary | The FPR 2 portable radio is the successor to the revolutionary Freeplay Portable Radio, FPR 1 (W.5-1996). The wind-up mechanism, invented by Trevor Baylis, has been improved for this model to produce one hour of playtime (compared with 40 minutes for the FPR 1). It has been restyled to be smaller, lighter, and visually more appealing. The winding handle which operates the mechanism is less obvious, being concealed at the rear, as opposed to being exposed at the side as it is on the FPR 1. The body of the FPR 2 was designed in-house by Baygen. [John Hutchinson was the in-house designer at the Baygen Power Company. He collaborated with Syzygy, a South African based product design company.] This example was acquired as a gift from the manufacturer at the time of the product's UK launch. Historical significance: The design of the FPR 2 evokes the 'classic' asymmetical streamlined sets of the 1930s-50s, for example the Tesla Talisman radio, c 1939 (W.28-1992) and the Fada Bullet Radio of 1940 (W.26-1992). By imbuing the product with a fashionable nostalgia for earlier radio styling and disguising the innovative technology and winding handle by placing them inside and at the rear the manufacturer was attempting to move into the mainstream audio market. |
| Associated objects |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.2-1997 |
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| Record created | January 24, 2001 |
| Record URL |
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