The Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, the Smithsonian’s only museum devoted to both historic and contemporary design, announced that its director, Bill Moggridge, died on September 8 after battling cancer. “All of us at the Smithsonian mourn the loss of a great friend, leader, and design mind,” said Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough. “In his two short years as director of the Cooper-Hewitt, Bill transformed the museum into the Smithsonian’s design lens on the world.”
The museum’s fourth director, Moggridge was also known as the designer of the first laptop computer, as well as the cofounder of IDEO, a renowned innovation and design firm. He joined the Cooper-Hewitt at a time the museum began a major restoration of its historic Carnegie mansion and expansion program to be completed by award-winning Diller Scofidio + Renfro. “We will all continue to work together to see that his strategic vision is implemented,” said Paul Herzan, chairman of the board of trustees. “As a designer, Bill set in motion a retelling of the story of design—its place in history and future possibilities—within the bold and interactive context of a renovated Cooper-Hewitt campus.”
Moggridge is survived by his wife of 47 years, Karin, and sons Alex and Erik.
Click here to see a video of his life and work.
