By: Albert McGovern
Glenn Beall, known internationally as the ‘Father of Plastics Design Principles’, and a founder of PD3, was recently celebrated as the Division’s first Emeritus Member for his extensive leadership and mentoring. The PD3 Board unanimously and exuberantly approved this long overdue recognition of Glenn’s innumerable contributions to the plastic design community.
A custom trophy, made from a cow horn and gold-toned metal mounted on a walnut plinth, was designed and obtained by Mark Wolverton, PD3 Board Member (and long-time friend of Glenn’s), who presented it to Glenn on March 17th. It recognizes Glenn’s long-term interest in plastics artifacts (see also Plastics Pioneers Reading Room at Bird Library in Syracuse University), particularly those made from horn, as evidenced by the fact that he is the only US member of the The Worshipful Company of Horners (UK). Here’s a brief excerpt from their History page to whet your appetite for learning more about this fascinating group that dates to at least the year 1284:
“Whilst the use of horn continued to decline, the twentieth century saw a considerable rise in the Company’s fortunes. Through a succession of enterprising Clerks and Masters, their numbers were allowed to rise to 100 in 1905 and then to 200 in 1925. Seven Horners have served as Lord Mayor and many others in the office of Sheriff. In 1943, recognising that the working of horn was no longer a viable industry, the Company had the great foresight to adopt its modern equivalent, the Plastics Industry. Since that time the Company has played a role, and kept pace with a significant international technological industry. Similarly, bottle production has progressed to be a major consumer of plastic materials, and bottlemaking once more fits the Horners’ portfolio.”
Glenn is also one of the Master Historians in The Honourable Company of Horners, a much newer US-based version of the UK group. Glenn was extremely appreciative of the Emeritus honor and most especially of the trophy, which he said will surely go to the front of his collection of previous awards—which include being an SPE Distinguished Member (one of only 6 such Members who were not first the SPE President); induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 1997, and; Member of the Plastics Pioneers of America.
Congratulations, Glenn, on this most worthy award!