Electric Teakettle, model no. 3599, 1909 Peter Behrens (German, 1868-1940) Brass, wicker 8 x 7 x 6" 1994.7.1 Although the teakettle was not a new product, Behrens’ adaptation of this object to work with electricity and be mass-produced was a new concept. It was designed specifically for mass production, using separate, replaceable parts that were easily produced and assembled in the factory. It has no rivets, and lacks applied decoration —all which serve ease of assembly. Behrens’ design hid the "ugly" electric components behind the more "beautiful" exterior shell. The kettle was one of three in the product line, which offered three similar shapes (round, oval and octagonal) in three materials (brass, nickel-plated brass, and copper-plated brass), and finishes (smooth, hammered and grooved), totaling 30 different variations. Prices ranged from the equivalent of $6 for the most basic teakettle to $384 for the silver-plated luxury model. It was a popular line and considered to have great advertising appeal. Walter Rathenau, one of the founders of the AEG, described industry’s new role in 1907: "The creation of an applied electrical industry demanded the transformation of many aspects of modern life. This transformation was not initiated by the consumer, but was organized by the manufacturer." Back to German Design Reform Main Back to Collections Main