The Liftolator (War Avoider)
| Object type | |
| Title | The Liftolator (War Avoider)
(assigned by artist) |
| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | The Liftolator (War Avoider) |
| Gallery label | - (2021)
- Imagining safety in uncertain times
Staying safe is a fundamental concern during times of conflict. In the 1960s, the US Department of Defense launched a campaign to encourage people to build their own shelters in case of nuclear attack during the Cold War. Today, the threat of war is still an issue that continues to be felt by many in different ways (CD.19:1-2016). In 2015, 11-year-old Charlotte Scott designed the Liftolator during the ‘Inventors!’ project. Instigated by the designer Dominic Wilcox, it invited children to invent an object to improve lives. To avoid war, the Liftolator elevates the home on to a platform and its inhabitants can steer it to safety (CD.461-2017).
Model of nuclear fallout shelter
About 1962
Designed by the US Department of Defense
Manufactured by Art Designers Incorporated, USA
Plywood, foamboard, textiles, plastic and Styrofoam
Museum no. CD.19:1-2016
A platform to avoid war
Liftolator model, 2015
Designed by Charlotte Scott
Made by Erin Dickenson with Dominic Wilcox’s ‘Inventors!’
Glass dome, plywood and 3D-printed parts
Museum no. CD.461-2017
The object sits in the 'Crisis and Conflict' section of the Design 1900-Now gallery opened in June 2021.
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| Collection | |
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Suggest feedback| Record created | April 18, 2017 |
| Record URL | |
