Six Models of Buoys 1869 - 1873

These six model buoys were made by 's Rijks Algemeen Betonningsmagazijn, although the exact date is unknown. They're made with humble materials: wood and metal. Look closely, and you'll see the level of craftsmanship involved. Each buoy is meticulously constructed with a wooden body reinforced by metal bands. The different sizes and shapes likely represent different designs tested for stability and visibility at sea. The buoys feel like industrial design because they are functional objects made for a specific purpose, rather than being fine art in the traditional sense. But think about the lives that depended on these objects, made to keep the shipping lanes safe. This elevates the work beyond the purely functional. These buoys have a beauty that goes beyond their utilitarian purpose, and invite us to reconsider the value of functional design.