Original travelling crate for a set of architectural models

Wooden crate with hinged lid

This crate was used to hold a group of models (CD.19 to 25- 2016) that were made in the early 1960s for use by the state of Montana in travelling exhibitions. The models were shown at fairs and other public events as part of a campaign to publicise the importance of nuclear shelters, and to encourage people to build their own. Four of the models in the V&A's collection are for domestic shelters – instructions for building these are detailed in the US Department of Defense’s 1962 booklet ‘Family Shelter Designs’. The other two models are for school shelters – one to be built above and one below ground.

Four of the six models (three domestic models plus the above-ground school shelter) form part of a set, for which this is the original travelling crate . Each model fits inside its own hood before being packed into the crate. There is space in the crate for one additional model which was missing at the time that the models were acquired. It is not known what this missing model would have been. The remaining two models (for the steel culvert shelter and the below- ground school shelter) appear to have been made separately although they are in the same style as the larger group. These two do not bear labels for any model maker (the other four and the travelling crate are all labelled by Art Designers Incorporated, Virginia).

This crate was designed to hold a group of models used by the American state of Montana to demonstrate designs for nucelar fallout shelters. The models, consisting mainly of designs for DIY domestic shelters, were shown at fairs and public events.

CD.25:1-2016