The Challenge of Everyday Life : Jacob Rabinow

Rabinow had an inventor’s mind. Inventing was not just something he did for a living on weekdays from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Rather, it was a way of looking at the world that subjected every arrangement – even the most mundane and unnoticed – to critical examination. It was a belief in an ever-present possibility of improvement. For Rabinow, all of life presented a continual challenge to his ingenuity.

The sliding door Rabinow built between his workshop and the living room of his house was expressive of his holistic approach toward life and work. While designing in his workshop, he was connected to the activities of his family through this door. Oftentimes, his wife Gladys Rabinow, would carve wood sculptures just on the other side of this portal.

Objects :
Foot Rest
Automatic Headlight Dimmers, ca. 1952
Photoelectrically Controlled Rear-view Mirror, ca. 1956
Reflective Lane Markers, ca. 1977