Industrial designer Charles Harrison is most famous for his work on the team that updated the View-Master, but examples of his innovations can be seen virtually everywhere. Harrison rarely visits a home that does not contain something he designed.
– Source: HistoryMakers
National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement
Charles Harrison received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum for his contribution in improving “the quality of life for millions of Americans through the extraordinary breadth and innovation of his product designs.”
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School of the Art Institute Honorary Doctorate
Charles Harrison was awarded an honorary doctorate by his undergraduate alma mater, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
The HistoryMakers
In 2002, Charles Harrison was inducted into The HistoryMakers.
Encyclopedia Brittanica
“In an era when aesthetics, utility, and cost-effectiveness were in unusual balance, Harrison created a variety of practical domestic goods”
Read the entire Encyclopedia Brittanica entry.
Focus on DESIGN Lifetime Achievement Award
In October 2006, Charles Harrison was honored by Focus on DESIGN with their Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)
In September 2006, Charles Harrison was honored by IDSA with their Lifetime Distinguished Service Award.
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University of Illinois at Chicago
A significant body of drawings and photographs have been placed into the UIC Archives.
Visit the UIC Collection
DuSable Museum of African American History
A number of product samples and models have been placed in the archives of the DuSable Museum (Chicago, IL).
Visit DuSable Museum
George Washington Carver Museum
The Carver Museum (Phoenix, AZ) features a room devoted to Charles Harrison’s work, which is likely the largest collection of products he designed. Visit The Carver Museum
Executive Leadership Council
In October 2003, Charles Harrison was honored by the ELC for his work as a pioneering executive at Sears Roebuck & Company.
Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum
Since 1999, the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City has housed much of Charles Harrison’s work in its African-American Design Archive.
Visit Cooper-Hewitt
