Submitted by Michael Dorfsman, New Canaan Men’s Club
Documentarian Jake Gorst will speak to the New Canaan Men’s Club Friday about the design styles that influenced a range of daily life in the 1950s, whether it was in furniture, appliances, toys, architecture or the automobiles of the day, known for their stylish tail fins.
Gorst is president of Mainspring Narrative Films which produces documentaries that explore art, architecture and cultural history. During his presentation, Gorst will present a documentary his firm remastered that showcases the prevalent American design and style of the period, highlighting the planning and design that went into manufacturing the 1959 Chevrolet Impala.
The Men’s Club meets in Morrill Hall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge, at 10 a.m. Gorst’s remarks are expected to begin at 10:40 a.m., following the club’s business session.
Another documentary produced by Mainspring Narrative Films, Leisurama, described the unique style of Mid-Century Architecture and the home designs of his grandfather, Andrew Geller. The style was so influential at the time, Geller-designed homes were sold in kits through Macy’s and are still lived in by residents largely in Long Island, as described in one of Gorst’s documentaries.
Geller, along with his also well-known colleague, Raymond Loewy designed the homes to be affordable as second homes for average middle-class families in the 1960s. As described in press reports at the time, the homes were also furnished by Macy’s and sold for about $13,000 to $17,000.
Gorst, and his wife, Tracey Rennie Gorst, have been producing films since 2002.
The Men’s Club has openings for new members, men 55-years old and above. For information, ncmens@ncmens.org.
