Restored Radios exhibit | reception Friday Nov. 16

As a print designer and letterpress printer who often pines for some of the aesthetic qualities of yesteryear (like movie theatres located on streetfronts instead of suburban asphalt acreage, neighbors that use rakes instead of leafblowers, those kinds of things), and as someone who is a firm believer in the preservation/restoration of many things, I’m excited about our new exhibit in the foyer gallery.

M A K I N G   W A V E S
Restored American radios from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s by Bob Gordon

Opening Reception: Friday, Nov. 16;  5 – 9pm

Bob Gordon, age 81, of Asheboro, North Carolina is a restorer of vintage American tube radios. He specializes in table models made just before and after World War II.

This exhibit is a collection of refurbished radios that made brands like Philico, Emerson, Sentinel, and Howard familiar brand names to American consumers and households during the pre and postwar eras.

Over 20 radios are on display and for sale. All have been carefully chosen and expertly restored by Bob Gordon and each radio is accompanied by an informative spec sheet, complete with fun facts, historical tidbits, and the electrical schematic. To put it simply, these things are gorgeous and they work well to boot.

As a young man, Bob honed his skills in electronics while serving as a radioman in the United States Coast Guard. After leaving the service in 1956, he became part-owner of Fair Grove TV and Appliance in Thomasville, North Carolina where he worked as both a salesman and technician. His store earned Davidson County’s only license to sell Zenith, which gave their shop a robust business for several years while the postwar economy was booming.

Bob left his small business to become a high school teacher in 1965. He retired from being the school superintendent for Asheboro City Schools in 2000, and started working on radios again in the fall of 2011. Bob, and his son Victor Gordon, sell radios year round on their Esty site Rockwood Radio.

The exhibit runs November 9 – December 21.
Foyer gallery hours are Fridays 11am-2pm and by appt.

*SALE: Everyone who purchases a radio during the reception, or Sat. Nov 17 during the Artwalk, will receive a free pack of hand-printed letterpress cards.

SPECIAL HOURS

Saturday, Nov 17; 10am – 3:30 pm
as part of the Durham Artwalk

Monday, Nov. 26 – Friday, Nov. 30; 11am – 2pm
open every day this week as part of Shop Independent Durham Week

Upcoming foyer gallery exhibts…..

Jan / Feb
Durham School of Arts high school students’ work.
A curatorial collaboration with DSA teacher Carolyn Maynard.

March – May
Bryant Holsenbeck | Animal sculptures and special surprises