Welcome to Star Trekking, my attempt to share points of interest and random intersections in the final frontier.
This week I finished reading a new book: Designing the Final Frontier by Dan Chavkin and Brian McGuire.
A tribute to Star Trek’s set decorators, art directors, and prop masters, the book takes a detailed look at chairs, tables, lamps, and other items that, while largely overlooked by viewers, helped establish the show’s “futuristic” feel. The book also serves as an introduction to the midcentury designers who originally created those items.
Take, for instance, the Burke chair.
Sure, whatever, just a chair. But when modified under the direction of the legendary Matt Jeffries…
You get these.
Co-author Chavkin first conceived of the book while binge-watching the original series. He quickly spotted what was, for him, a notable midcentury modern design - an Architectural Pottery planter by designer John Follis-in a scene from The Man Trap. He spotted another Architectural Pottery piece as the control console for Balok’s ship in The Corbomite Maneuver. “Henceforth, I devoted myself to the task of documenting anything on the program identifiable from the midcentury modern genre,” he writes in the introduction.
And so we are given a tour through each of the show’s three seasons, with stops at a few key episodes from each. We’re also given side trips to the bridge, “futurist architecture,” set decoration/props/fashion, and an introduction to the brutalism movement. There’s also a final catalog of objects, giving you the ability to locate and furnish your own 23rd century abode.
As you’d hope for an oversized book like this, there are plenty of photos and illustrations, both of the original pieces and their appearances in the show. Plus, there are short biographies of the designers and even old advertising flyers that often give an indication of where the Trek crew bought the pieces - and even how much they might have paid.
While I read it straight through, and enjoyed every bit of it, the book also makes a great reference companion. And will definitely cause you to look a little closer next time you watch the original series.
TREKKISH QUESTIONS
This week I’d like to introduce you to Tilly, an always engaging presence on Twitter.
First, please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Tilly, from the the UK. Sci fi/fantasy/comedy fan, stargazer, and Trek enthusiast. I also like good food, good company, good Sauvignon Blanc and good coffee. Cat and dog lover, wannabe cosplayer and hope to one day be a director at the UK Space Agency.
What are your first Star Trek memories?
I was quite old getting into Trek actually. I was 17, suffering from a virus and my boyfriend brought over VHS cassettes of TNG. And then DS9. By the time Voyager started I was hooked and had to wait every fortnight for them to be released!
You've shared some terrific photos of yourself in different costumes. How did you get into that aspect of expressing your fandom?
I've always loved dressing up and always go all out at fancy dress parties at any opportunity! I attended my first Destination Star Trek in 2016 and loved the effort and fun people had with their cosplay. So when I returned in 2018 I went all out as 7of 9, then Discovery S2 for 2019.
Through Twitter I've met some incredible cosplayers, prop makers and lovers of costume/uniform design who inspire me, and we talk often about how to tweak/improve a look to make it great. I don't look like any character in particular, but it's still fun to dress like them. This year I'm going to need about 3 suitcases across three days!
What is your greatest Star Trek-related indulgence?
When I think indulge I think things like binge watch or large collections. I certainly binge watch, but my collection of things such as DVD's, books, posters and Lego is pretty small (I'm typing this next to Kirk and Spock cuddly dolls :-) ) I think my indulgence is turning out to be the cosplay side of things now, I want all the outfits, and have a list of what I want to get over the next few months. Plus also would love a trip to one of the US con.
Which Trek character do you most admire?
Too hard! Can I choose several across a few series? Ok:
Voyager - Janeway (incredible tenacity to protect her crew and get them home) and The Doctor (great character development, great lines)
DS9 - Jadzia Dax (courageous, smart, funny)
DSC - Tilly (who else!) Smart, brave, holds almost every characteristic of a great leader which years ago would have perhaps been deemed unconventional
What Trek episode (or movie) do you think is underrated?
Episode wise it's one I haven't seen in years and this question has made me want to watch it again soon; TNG Season 6 - The Chase, where there is a race to unearth a mystery to find the origins of humanoid life in the galaxy. And I think it's such an important one, because what they find is that a prior civilization had existed and spread their genetic material, meaning that there is shared DNA across many species. It sounds very Prometheus like, but the connotations of that were huge for me at the time. I was surprised they didn't do more with it. Fun fact - it's the first episode where Humans, Klingons, Romulans and Cardassians appear together as well.
How has Trek impacted your life?
Several ways at different stages. It pulled me out of a low place when I was in my late teens by giving me something exciting to look forward to. The Kelvin movies rekindled my love and I started going to the conventions and finding this whole world of like minded people. And through lockdown some of the people I've met on Twitter have been some of the most wonderful souls, and I would likely have never met them otherwise. All due to the love of Trek.
What do you most value in Star Trek?
Two ways I'd answer that question - from what the characters deliver us and an overall message perspective. With certain characters you see some who are aspirational yet also grounded. They show bravery, leadership, curiosity, perceive equality as a given. There are characters on the shows who we all want to be in some way (I wish I was more 'x'....). And overall, the message of Star Trek for me is a hopeful one. So many futures in shows/movies are desolate and apocalyptic, Trek has never been that. We are lucky enough to see a whole federation of planets working together, imagine if we could replicate that on this planet, at this time. That's hope, and I value that above many other things in life.
How can folks connect with you?
My only link is Twitter. Maybe at some stage I’ll set up the aspirational YouTube for cosplay, cooking and a trek themed game show (still convinced that will be a hit!)
Thanks, Tilly!
MEANWHILE…
I might need to review this book.
I still love the way people dressed for work back then.
Don’t grieve, Kitty.
I think it’s true love.
My kid told me Trek was discussed in one of their high school classes this week. And this was essentially the discussion. We can still learn important lessons from the classics.
Until next time, LOVE long…and prosper.
Grok you later!
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