Description
Originally an ambassador of the late 1960s happy movement, this bobbing and smiling figurine now comes to you straight from Denmark with only one goal: bringing you cheer. The Hoptimist is designed by Danish cabinetmaker and counterculture icon Gustav Ehrenreich. It makes a great toy for kids as well as a playful conversation piece for the desk or worktable.
Wood
The designer behind the original Hoptimists, Gustav Ehrenreich, would have made his Hoptimists from wood if he had had the production facilities to do so. However, this was not possible until 2011. All wood used in the Hoptimist production is from sustainable forestry in Europe and made in Denmark.
Why We Chose This
Even though Gustav Ehrenreich was an internationally recognized craftsman in the 1950s and mid-'60s, he found his true calling in life when he designed a springy toy in 1968 and launched Denmark's happy movement. The Hoptimist announced itself with the bright, primary colors that were popular during this time, and was cast from the same plastic as another classic Danish toy, Lego bricks. In 2011, the Hoptimist became the main sponsor of the Danish Hospital Clowns, donating money to the organization for each one sold. The Hoptimist illustrates the Museum's committment to creating a dialogue about design for children, as in MoMA's 2012 exhibition Century of the Child: Growing by Design 1900-2004.
Details
Designer
Gustav Ehrenreich
Size
Medium: 4h x 3"diam.
Small: 2.6h x 2"diam.
Materials
Oak
Year of Design
1960's
Origin
Denmark
Age
Adults
Teens
Warning
Choking Hazard — Item contains small parts.
Not for children under 3.
Gustav Ehrenreich
Size
Medium: 4h x 3"diam.
Small: 2.6h x 2"diam.
Materials
Oak
Year of Design
1960's
Origin
Denmark
Age
Adults
Teens
Warning
Choking Hazard — Item contains small parts.
Not for children under 3.
