Clarifying Our Tribute to the Radium Girls
At BOLDR, we believe in creating timepieces that tell stories and spark meaningful conversations. We created the Venture Un.dark as a heartfelt tribute to the Radium Girls, whose story has deeply resonated with us. While we may not have a direct historical connection to the Radium Girls, our mission is to tell stories that matter.
Our goal with this watch is to honor their memory and raise awareness about the injustice and struggles they faced. We believe that raising awareness is a powerful way to keep their legacy alive. We envisioned this watch not just as an accessory but as a conversation piece—one that encourages us to share the story of the Radium Girls with our friends and family.
Understanding the Radium Girls’ Legacy
The Radium Girls were indeed victims of corporate greed and gross negligence. They were not heroes in the traditional sense, nor did they willingly sacrifice their lives for a noble cause. Their lives were unjustly taken from them due to the negligence of their employers and the failure of the justice system to protect them. We fully acknowledge this and never intended to imply otherwise.
Our use of terms like “sacrifice” and “heroism” was meant to highlight the tragic impact these women had on workplace safety reforms. We recognize that these terms can be misinterpreted, and for that, we sincerely apologize. Our intention was not to diminish the gravity of their suffering but to bring attention to their story so that this dark chapter in history is never forgotten.
Addressing the Design
The Venture Un.dark was designed to pay homage to the Radium Girls, from the girl featured on the dial to the image on the caseback. The use of radium-styled lume on the watch was intended as a historical reference, not as a means to trivialize their suffering. These design elements are our artistic expression inspired by their story, intended to serve as a reminder of this tragic chapter in history.
The inscription “In Memoriam of Those Who Gave Their Lives to Enlighten the World,” on the caseback was designed to evoke reflection and remembrance. However, we understand the concern that these women did not “give” their lives but had them taken away. This distinction is crucial, and we agree that it is important to honor their memory accurately.
We recognize that greater attention and care could have been applied to the design of the Venture Un.dark to ensure our intentions were clearly understood. We deeply regret any unhappiness this may have caused and understand the importance of accurately honoring their memory.
Moving Forward
After thoughtful reflection and consideration of the feedback we’ve received, we’ve made the decision to cease sales of the Venture Un.dark. We want to show that we are not just a brand, but a company that listens and cares. This decision reflects our commitment to being sensitive and respectful, especially to those who feel affected by this project.
We are incredibly grateful to the collectors who supported and believed in this project. We also believe that this project has achieved its purpose—raising awareness of the Radium Girls’ tragic story and educating those who may not have known about this dark chapter in history.
Going forward, we are committed to being more thoughtful and sensitive in how we approach these meaningful stories, and we promise to always listen and learn from our community. Thank you for your understanding, trust, and support as we continue to grow and evolve together.
Sincerely,
Leon
Founder
Updated 6th September 2024