Record and cassette rack, Conran Associates, c.1977-1990

Following on from my blog post about the Input range, designed by Conran Associates, manufactured by Crayonne Ltd (a subsidiary of Airfix Plastics set up in 1972) and sold through Habitat stores, this week’s post introduces some additional pieces from the series: the LP record and cassette racks (AIBDC : 008861.1-9).

Image ref: MoDiP’s 7 record and 2 cassette storage racks.
Image credit: Katherine Pell

The fan-shaped record rack was designed to store up to 36 LP’s (12” records) with three, graduated internal segments, whilst the matching cassette rack could hold 14 standard cassettes on one side, plus an additional 14 on the other. Sold in a variety of colours, the racks were interchangeable and by turning through 90°, different decorative effects could be achieved.

Image ref: The record rack front side at the top and rear side below.
Image credit: Katherine Pell

Image ref: The cassette rack.
Image credit: Katherine Pell

I think the styling is reminsicent of art-deco with the sleek curves of the record rack bringing to mind the roof of the Chrysler Building in New York (or is that just me?). The 1977 Habitat catalogue describes them as: ‘made in scratch-resistant thermoplastics and highly polished so the cream looks like ivory, the black like ebony, and the red like an antique Chinese lacquer’. MoDiP has nine pieces in red, orange, beige, brown, black, grey and white.

Accelerating inflation during the 1970s was reflected in the prices that Habitat charged its customers for these beautiful pieces, starting at £2.25 in 1977 and peaking at £6.95 within a decade! By 1985 it appears that the racks were only available in monochrome black and white.

Year	Price
1977	£2.25
1978/79	£2.95
1979/80	£3.90
1980/81	£4.95
1981/82	£4.50
1982/83	£4.95
1983/84	£5.50
1984/85	-
1985/86	£6.95
1986/87	£6.95
1987/88	-
1988/89	-
1989/1990	£5.99

I can find very little information about them, such as who specifically within Conran Associates actually designed them. Was it Martin Roberts, who was responsible for the Input range of 21 brightly coloured, mix and match storage containers? I understand he had emigrated to the US by 1975 which I believe may slightly pre-date these. The Habitat catalogues simply refer to the racks as part of its extended, award-winning, Crayonne range. If anyone can add anything to the story, please let us know.

Image ref: Advert from the 1978/79 Habitat catalogue, AIBDC : 0­_1168.
Image credit: Katherine Pell

I really do love MoDiP’s examples: they look great all displayed together in an assortment of colours and are well designed pieces of furniture that would elevate anyone’s music collection.
 
Katherine Pell
Collections Officer