‘Precision and Beauty:

100 Years of Risdon’ At Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center

WATERBURY — The Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center will hold an opening reception for the new exhibit Precision and Beauty: 100 Years of Risdon” on Saturday, November 20, from 10 am until noon.

The exhibition commemorates a century of service, success, and innovation of the Risdon Manufacturing Company featuring cosmetic packaging manufactured for Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, Proctor & Gamble and Revlon, among others. Over 50 lipstick tubes, cosmetic compacts, and perfume dispensers that reflect the changing styles from 1930s Art Deco to the 1960s Pop Art will be exhibited.

Founded on January 27th, 1910 by 114 members of the Naugatuck-Waterbury area, Risdon was led by prominent local businessman Sydney Risdon. The company’s very first products were eyelet machine tools and clock maker’s tools, used to shape gears and sprockets.

Risdon’s commercial success began in 1936 producing new product lines which included cigarette lighters, brass paper fasteners, and most significantly, lipstick cases. In 1978 when the US government banned the use of fluorocarbon propellant in aerosol sprays, Risdon was quick to respond by introducing the TNT finger pump.

By the 1980’s, Risdon began to expand globally having acquired other businesses, companies, and operations.

Coffee and pastries will be served during the reception. The exhibit will remain on view until November 2011.

The Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center is at 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, with free parking located directly behind the museum on Park Place. Additional information is available at MattatuckMuseum.org or by calling 203-753-0381 extension 10.