Charles Harrison (Finding Aid)

Charles Harrison

1931 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Rice

Favorite Time of Year: Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: Any Warm Climate

Interview Length: 133 minutes

Interview Date(s): July 24, 2002

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Industrial designer Charles Harrison describes his parents backgrounds and details his life growing up in Louisiana and Texas, sharing memories from his childhood. Harrison discusses his struggles in school, brought on by dyslexia, and explains the methods he used to overcome his handicap. Harrison also talks about the time when he first realized he wanted to be an art major. Industrial designer Charles Harrison explains how he discovered his talent at art and design while attending San Francisco City College, and discusses his decision to enroll in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Harrison talks about his experience there and explains his living situations during his undergraduate years. Harrison engages in a detailed discussion about the nature of industrial design, including how aesthetic and functional values have changed over the years. Industrial designer Charles Harrison continues to discuss his interest in the field of industrial design, and explains how his education was interrupted by his military service. Harrison details his military life in Germany, in an Army which was only recently de-segregated. Harrison then tells of his arrival back in the United States and his continued education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He describes how racism and discrimination prevented him from finding work as an industrial designer until noted designer Henry Glass hired him and became his mentor. Harrison explains how his work with Glass catalyzed his career. Industrial designer Charles Harrison details his three decades of work as an industrial designer at Sears Roebuck and Company, describing his success and ascent through the company. Harrison stresses that his success did not come easily, and shares many stories of racism and discrimination he encountered while at the company. Harrison explains how the Civil Rights Movement changed the climate at Sears. Harrison also discusses the perception of industrial design in everyday life. Industrial designer Charles Harrison discusses the end of his career with Sears Roebuck and Company, and details his post-retirement efforts to restore life insurance to former employees of Sears, as well as his becoming an adjunct professor of industrial design at the University of Illinois Chicago and Columbia College. Harrison also shares memories of his wife Janet and talks about his son and grandson, as well as considering his legacy and how he'd like to be remembered.

26 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)