Lobster Telephone

What is it?

Salvador Dalí created this mashup of two unlike things in 1936, but it remains equally as thought-provoking and imaginative today.

Where could I find it?

It displayed at Tate Modern in London.

What is it made of?

It is literally a telephone with the addition of a lobster figurine, which includes such materials as plaster, resin, rubber, paper, and steel, a combination organic and inorganic components.

How big is it?

Its dimensions are 178 x 330 x 178 millimeters.

What could happen to it?

Storing or exhibiting this object at fluctuating temperatures could lead to weakening and cracking of the inorganic materials used in this piece as they expand and contract due to the changes. Too high of temperatures could also make the materials more vulnerable to natural oxidation (including rusting) because of faster reaction rates and could even lead to deformation of the object itself.

Where can I learn more?

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/dali-lobster-telephone-t03257