Variset range of hat and coat hooks, W1, WH and W75 thumbnail 1
Not on display

Variset range of hat and coat hooks, W1, WH and W75

Wardrobe Hook
1970-1972 (designed), 1973 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A.J. Binns Limited was founded in 1937 when John Binns set up business in Great Marlborough Street in central London. When Julian Binns joined the company in 1970, having trained as an industrial designer, he commissioned Kenneth Grange to design a new range of products based on good looks, high quality materials and the flexibility to suit a wide range of applications. The range was given the name Variset® and won a Design Council Award in 1972. From the original multiple hook system, the range has developed to include many more products, with the quality of design, always the top priority.

Kenneth Grange was a product designer and spent over 50 years in private practice. He trained at Willesden School of Art from 1943–47, then spent one year in Architectural practice at Arcon. He spent the next two years in National Service Royal Engineers as a Technical Illustrator and from 1950–6 he was an assistant in Architectural Modernist Practices. He started his private practice from 1956, initially as an Interior and Architectural Designer and then building a comparatively big practice mainly in product design.

His principal clients included: Kodak – 30 years as a consultant designing many cameras and equipments including the famous Instamatic; Kenwood – Board appointment and 40 years as the designer of 100 plus domestic appliances; British Rail – the HST 125 and other products; Wilkinson Sword – for 30 years the designer and Board appointment of many shaving, gardening and other products; Ronson; AJ Binns; Manganese Bronze – London Black Cab. He worked extensively in Japan for many major brands, such as Adshel Bus Shelters and street furniture. He founded the design studio Pentagram in 1972 with Theo Crosby, Colin Forbes and Mervyn Kultansky to cover all aspects of design, in particular Graphics, Architecture, Product and general consultancy. He is currently designing products in the form of furniture, architectural fittings and lighting.

Kenneth Grange was awarded numerous honours, awards and prizes for his designs and for services to the design industry, including: Duke of Edinburgh Elegant Design Prize (1963); 10 Design Council Awards from 1963; Chartered Society of Designers Minerva Gold Medal (1966); Royal Designer for Industry (1969); Solo show at the Victoria and Albert Museum (1983); Appointed CBE (1984); Five Honorary Doctorates: RCA, Heriot Watt, De Montfort, Staffs, Open University, 1985 onwards; Master of Royal Designers for Industry (1985); President of Chartered Society Designers (1987); Solo show Tokyo (1989); Board member Globe Theatre (1998); Prince Philip Designers Prize (2003); Visiting Professor at the Royal College of Art (2005 onwards).

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleVariset range of hat and coat hooks, W1, WH and W75 (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Aluminium, extruded and powder coated in RAL 9006 Silver
Brief description
Wardrobe hooks, 3 double and 2 single, silver anodised aluminium, part of the Variset range of hat and coat hooks, designed by Kenneth Grange and manufactured by A J Binns Ltd., England, 1973. Part of a range which received a Design Council Consumer Award in 1972.
Physical description
Three hat and coat hooks and two wardrobe hooks with spacers, extruded aluminium powder coated in RAL 9006 Silver, the wardrobe hooks, `U' shaped with an extended back, the coat and hat hooks similar with an extended arm at the top with an upturned end, the spacers, flat aluminium panels with curved upper and lower edges, all fixed to a concealed rail which is attached to the wall, the ends covered by strip panels.
Dimensions
  • Height: 8.7cm
  • Width: 40cm
  • Depth: 11cm
Style
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Gift of the manufacturer
Object history
Historical significance: Winner of the Design Centre Award in 1972.

With its original packaging.

A J Binns Ltd, a small company with an annual turnover of about £200 000, make one of the first adjustable systems of integrated hat and coat hooks in aluminium. Single hooks are available in blister packs, with three, five or nine hook units also available: customised lengths can be made to order. Each hook and spacer has a wedge-shaped section in the back. An aluminium back plate screws to the wall and the hooks and spacers slide onto the plate, thus giving an invisible fixing. A hat, coat and umbrella stand comes within the range and has been so designed that it can be demounted and packed into a parcel small enough to go through the post.

Variset range of integrated hat and coat hooks, designed by Kenneth Grange, made by A J Binns Ltd; Prices from 52p.

Design Journal, COID Awards 1972, London, March 1972. pp.29-34.
Production
This Variset range is still in production.
Summary
A.J. Binns Limited was founded in 1937 when John Binns set up business in Great Marlborough Street in central London. When Julian Binns joined the company in 1970, having trained as an industrial designer, he commissioned Kenneth Grange to design a new range of products based on good looks, high quality materials and the flexibility to suit a wide range of applications. The range was given the name Variset® and won a Design Council Award in 1972. From the original multiple hook system, the range has developed to include many more products, with the quality of design, always the top priority.

Kenneth Grange was a product designer and spent over 50 years in private practice. He trained at Willesden School of Art from 1943–47, then spent one year in Architectural practice at Arcon. He spent the next two years in National Service Royal Engineers as a Technical Illustrator and from 1950–6 he was an assistant in Architectural Modernist Practices. He started his private practice from 1956, initially as an Interior and Architectural Designer and then building a comparatively big practice mainly in product design.

His principal clients included: Kodak – 30 years as a consultant designing many cameras and equipments including the famous Instamatic; Kenwood – Board appointment and 40 years as the designer of 100 plus domestic appliances; British Rail – the HST 125 and other products; Wilkinson Sword – for 30 years the designer and Board appointment of many shaving, gardening and other products; Ronson; AJ Binns; Manganese Bronze – London Black Cab. He worked extensively in Japan for many major brands, such as Adshel Bus Shelters and street furniture. He founded the design studio Pentagram in 1972 with Theo Crosby, Colin Forbes and Mervyn Kultansky to cover all aspects of design, in particular Graphics, Architecture, Product and general consultancy. He is currently designing products in the form of furniture, architectural fittings and lighting.

Kenneth Grange was awarded numerous honours, awards and prizes for his designs and for services to the design industry, including: Duke of Edinburgh Elegant Design Prize (1963); 10 Design Council Awards from 1963; Chartered Society of Designers Minerva Gold Medal (1966); Royal Designer for Industry (1969); Solo show at the Victoria and Albert Museum (1983); Appointed CBE (1984); Five Honorary Doctorates: RCA, Heriot Watt, De Montfort, Staffs, Open University, 1985 onwards; Master of Royal Designers for Industry (1985); President of Chartered Society Designers (1987); Solo show Tokyo (1989); Board member Globe Theatre (1998); Prince Philip Designers Prize (2003); Visiting Professor at the Royal College of Art (2005 onwards).
Bibliographic reference
Design Journal, COID Awards 1972, London, March, 1972. pp.29-34.
Other number
72/983 - RF number
Collection
Accession number
CIRC.447-1973

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Record createdApril 28, 2011
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