All Things Bakelite: The Age of Plastic
The documentary, “ALL THINGS BAKELITE: THE AGE OF PLASTIC” tells the little-known story of inventor Leo Baekeland, the “father of modern plastics,” and brings Baekeland’s story to life, with rare archival footage, personal diary entries, interviews with scientists, historians and artists, as well as satirical musical performances.
Baekeland’s invention of the first wholly synthetic plastic was revolutionary, and ushered in an explosion of man-made materials that marked the beginning of the modern industrial age and created a new world. Bakelite’s electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties immediately made it an essential component of electrical insulators, radios, telephone casings, and many household appliances.
Today, it is still foundational to automotive, aerospace, and building materials. The “retro” appeal of early Bakelite products, such as kitchenware, jewelry and pipe stems, has made them highly collectible.
The program on Nov. 12 will include a panel discussion and Q & A with the audience. On the panel will be the film’s director John Maher, phenolic resin consultant Dr. Louis Pilato, and Yonkers Historian Mary Hoar.
Also being honored, posthumously, will be Hugh Karraker, the great-grandson of Leo Baekeland, who was the executive producer of the film and the driving force of bringing Leo Baekeland’s little known, but important story to light.
“More than one hundred years ago, Leo Baekeland created solutions that propelled the growth of the electrical, automotive, design and construction industries,” said Karraker, who believed the film has great relevance to today’s world.
“Unfortunately, his invention, once called “the Material of a Thousand Uses”, evolved to become a double-edged sword—indispensable, but also not easily disposable. I’m hopeful my family’s patriarch will be recognized as a game-changer by movie audiences around the world, and that the film will also inspire awareness and acceptable ways to resolve the negative impacts of plastic.”
This program is co-sponsored by the Yonkers Historical Society. Visit www.ypl.org to register and for more information, or visit allthingsbakelite.com.
