There’s an interesting conversation going on over at MeFi about roto-spheres and its status as an atomic age icon. I’ve seen plenty of them used in vintage 50’s designs before but up until now I had no idea they had a specific name and creator. I just assumed it was a generic symbol of the times.
In any case, the creator of the roto-sphere is Warren Milks who made these neon signs between 1960 and 1971. The roto-sphere was marketed as an addition to put on top of road signs. The roto-sphere sits atop a pole and rotates while the two halves of its central core also rotate in opposite directions, creating a fantastic illusion of neon lights (each roto-sphere has 16 aluminum spikes outlined in neon lights).
It is said that he only made about 234 of them and out of that number only 17 remain. And unfortunately, only 7 of them actually work (meaning, they spin and light up). But considering the technology nowadays, I don’t see why roto-spheres can’t be repaired or re-manufactured. Does Warren Milks have a lock on the patent or something? It’s possible I guess, but I hope somebody revives the old invention and finds a cheap way to put them back on the market again — in a smaller, room-friendly form. :)
Here’s a video of some below. The reason why I love these roto-spheres so much is because I like the design of things from the atomic age. I find all the sharp angles and bright colors very fascinating to look at.
Anyway, check out some videos below of working roto-spheres.
