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

High Point Market Spring 2010 Fashion Report

The High Point Market Authority has released their fashion report for the Spring 2010 market.  For the complete report go here.  It's funny I was talking with my BFF about how we totally have forgotten that Furniture Market is happening right now.  Years ago, when we were designing fabrics for the residential market, our lives used to revolve around it.  I do miss it, but boy my feet don't - LOL!

Do I see a trend in the making?

Here is a previous post I did about a great chair from JANUS et Cie that created the illusion of trees through cut outs. Well, I just saw this bench (Garden Treasures Branches bench made from rust-free cast-aluminum) at Lowes for $277. Very nice indeed!

This is great!

How cool is this chair from JANUS et Cie? The die cuts in the chair create the illusion of trees in a forest - offered in a variety of colors, they are powder coated aluminum and can be used indoors or out. It's appropriately called The Forest Armchair. You can find more info in the armchair section of the CAFE JANUS. Love it!

Images via JANUS et Cie

I want this!

I'm really digging these nesting tables from PBteen (OMG!). I'm always on the lookout for good bedside table options and these are great!

Image via PBteen

If you haven't already...

explore Maine Cottage's website. I love their furniture mainly because they offer so many beautiful color and fabric choices. In their "Fresh Ideas" section there are lots of slideshows and color idea cards (example below):

I have to give them lots of credit for creating a really fun, happy and welcoming site for their great products. I go to it again and again for inspiration!

Images via Maine Cottage

Favorite finds

Found this really great armoir (named "Opus") in an ad in Interior Design magazine (I think) from Wendell Castle Collection. It's designed by Emma Gardner (I am familiar with her gorgeous rugs).

I wish I had a bigger picture, but you get the idea, great soft blue ground with a large graphic koi and Lucite feet. I love the blue with the orange, it's really striking. This picture was the only info I could find out about it, I guess it's so new that they haven't updated the website.

Image from Wendell Castle Collection