Piaggio Scooter/ Bike, customised by Daniel Libeskind
Motor Scooter
ca. 2000 (made)
ca. 2000 (made)
| Artist/Maker |
Daniel Libeskind is one of the most celebrated international architects of the late 20th early 21st century. He is recognised for his unconventional structures which symbolise the meaning and purpose of the building Although now an American citizen he was born in Poland in 1946. Vespa, manufactured by the Italian engineering company Piaggio, arrived in the world in the same year, the product of a brilliant design by Piaggio's leading designer, Corradino D'Ascanio. D'Ascanio, designer of the first modern helicopter, wanted to replace the unweildy motor bike with a simple, clean, robust vehicle which could be driven easily by anyone, including women. Since the first 15 came onto the market in 1946 Vespas have become one of the most efficient and popular modes of transport that, constantly re-invented, have managed to stay ahead of fashion as well as of social and economic needs. In customising this classic of modern design Libeskind seems to be making a statement not only about about his own ideals of efficiency, adaptability and visual appeal but also about phoenix-like emergence from the ashes of the Second World War.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Piaggio Scooter/ Bike, customised by Daniel Libeskind (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Metal, plastic, rubber |
| Brief description | Piaggio Motor Scooter customised by Daniel Libeskind, ca. 2000 |
| Physical description | Piaggio scooter in black with abstract, linear, geometric 'architectural' linear pattern on all the smooth metal panelling, the seat (where the pattern is stitched in white thread on black leather) and the windshield, where it may be screen printed or lettraset in silver. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Credit line | Given by Mrs Robin Heller Moss on behalf of the Serpentine Gallery |
| Object history | This scooter/bike was given by Mrs Robin Heller Moss after she had purchased it at a charity auction at the Serpentine. |
| Summary | Daniel Libeskind is one of the most celebrated international architects of the late 20th early 21st century. He is recognised for his unconventional structures which symbolise the meaning and purpose of the building Although now an American citizen he was born in Poland in 1946. Vespa, manufactured by the Italian engineering company Piaggio, arrived in the world in the same year, the product of a brilliant design by Piaggio's leading designer, Corradino D'Ascanio. D'Ascanio, designer of the first modern helicopter, wanted to replace the unweildy motor bike with a simple, clean, robust vehicle which could be driven easily by anyone, including women. Since the first 15 came onto the market in 1946 Vespas have become one of the most efficient and popular modes of transport that, constantly re-invented, have managed to stay ahead of fashion as well as of social and economic needs. In customising this classic of modern design Libeskind seems to be making a statement not only about about his own ideals of efficiency, adaptability and visual appeal but also about phoenix-like emergence from the ashes of the Second World War. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.863-2003 |
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| Record created | June 22, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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