TEXTILES.ORG
Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture, presents Knoll Textiles, 1945–2010, an exhibition including the earliest innovators’ applications of materials and fiber construction for use in interiors. The exhibition includes Ralph Rapson’s 657W parachute strapping rocking chair (pictured), leaf and jute floor materials, saran drapery and transportation cloth, designed in collaboration with GM’s Technical Center.
By 1944, founder Hans Knoll was producing the most progressive modern furniture and textiles in America. As director of the Knoll Planning Unit, Florence (Schust) Knoll envisioned interiors as architecture in its smallest form, bringing a strong commitment to innovation and adherence to quality synonymous with Knoll Textiles’ brand today.
The exhibition comprises 175 examples of textiles, furniture, photographs and ephemera from public, private and corporate collections. A more thorough review will follow in the Sept/Oct issue.