More than 75 gleaming silver, stainless steel, chrome-plated and glass cocktail shakers from the 1920s, 30s and 40s will be on view September 29 through January 7 in the Milwaukee Art Museum's Segel Gallery.
While mixed drinks existed before Prohibition, the modern cocktail really came into its own in the speakeasies of the 1920s. Outlaw culture had a powerful allure, and for many Americans cocktail parties became symbolic of high society and a sophisticated lifestyle. After the repeal of Prohibition, cocktails-and Cocktail shakers-were glamorized in Hollywood films such as THE THIN MAN and MY MAN GODFREY. Public demand exploded, and by the late 1930s cocktail shakers were considered essential for home entertaining. Chic sterling silver cocktail shakers were preferred by the wealthy, but manufacturers offered less expensive models in a dazzling variety of forms and materials.
The exhibition, drawn from the extensive collections of Stephen Visakay and Arlene Lederman of Nyack, N.Y., will showcase a marvelous array of streamlines and "skyscraper" shakers by such noted designers as Norman Bel Geddes, Russel Wright, Lurelle Guild and styled to resemble animals like roosters and penguins, sports equipment-barbells, golf bags and bowling pins, and even airplanes and zeppelins.
Curated by Jody Clowes, MAM curatorial researcher for decorative arts.
For additional information and group tours call the Milwaukee Art Museum at 414-224-3200