NYC Museum Report - Knoll Textiles at The Bard Graduate Center Gallery

Knoll Textiles, 1945-2010
The Bard Graduate Center Gallery
May 18 - July 31, 2011

Contributor Laura Johnson checking in again with another exhibition report.  Laura is a gifted textile designer and colorist with 20 years of experience who lives and works in Manhattan.  Because we all can't live in or visit NYC regularly she'll be checking in from time to time to report about exhibits and other interesting tidbits happening there.

Air Rights (“Satellite” colorway)

Suzanne Tick (American, born 1959)

KnollTextiles

Photographer: Bruce White

The Bard Graduate Center Gallery is a great little place to keep an eye on for shows. This summer they have a wonderful exhibit on KnollTextiles, covering several decades of amazing designs and innovative materials. Knoll is known for using great designers, and this show included textiles by Anni Albers, Alexander Girard, Sheila Hicks, Jhane Barnes, Suzanne Tick and others. The show does a wonderful job of bringing both the Knoll brand and the role of textiles in the history of modern interiors and design to the forefront of public attention.  I found that while I was rather familiar with the woven textiles,there were some amazing prints that I had never seen before.
 

Pyramid (“Violet/Purple” colorway)

Christa Häusler-Goltz (German, born 1943)

Photographer: Bruce White

It was also interesting to read about the history of the textiles department.  So many talented designers have been associated with Knoll, it is no wonder that they are the leader in this arena. 

Mepal (“Willow” colorway)

Proenza Schouler (Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez: both American, born 1978)

Photographer: Bruce White

Also included in the show were some great classic pieces of furniture with their original upholstery and fun examples of sampling systems that Knoll has used over the years.

Astrid Sampe. Rugby upholstery (Two-Tone Orange colorway) on Model 71 armchair designed by Eero Saarinen, ca. 1955. Made for Knoll Textiles, chair made for Knoll Associates. Photo: Bruce White.

All images via The Bard Graduate Center Gallery