A few weeks ago I managed to see the amazing artist textiles exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum, which has now sadly finished. I always really enjoy visiting the museum, as without fail I come away feeling I’ve seen a well curated exhibition. This one was another gem. Bravo!
The exhibition showcased some wonderful collaborations between 20th century artists and fabric producers during the 1950s and 1960s. Wanting to make their work less elitist and more relevant to ordinary people, the artists collaborated with textile manufacturers to produce affordable ranges of fashion and furnishing fabrics. Some of the artists work displayed were Picasso, Andy Warhol, Matisse, Miro, Zandra Rhodes and many more.
My highlight was the work by the Romanian-born artist and illustrator Saul Steinberg. The corner where his work was displayed was rather dark so forgive the quality and colour references of some of the photographs. However, I think it’s more important to show you the exquisite mark-making here, would you agree?
Saul Steinberg
In the 1950s a witty, sharp and ironic school of satirical illustration evolved in New York. Steinberg started collaborating with an upmarket textile and wallpaper manufacturer. He translated a number of his designs into a series of coordinated textiles and wallpapers for the quality interior decorator market. Additionally they produced a series of textile designs for the mass-market summer clothing.
Take a look at some of Steinberg’s wonderful work.
Saul Steinberg | Paddington Station | Detail 1
Roller-printed cotton border print fashion textile, New York, c. 1952
Saul Steinberg | Paddington Station | Detail 2
Saul Steinberg | Tin Horn Holiday | Detail 1
Roller-printed cotton border print fashion textile, New York, c. 1952
Saul Steinberg | Tin Horn Holiday | Detail 2
Roller-printed cotton border print fashion textile, New York, c. 1952
Saul Steinberg | Wedding| Detail 1
Screen-printed glazed cotton furnishing textile, c. 1950
Saul Steinberg | Wedding| Detail 2
Screen-printed glazed cotton furnishing textile, c. 1950
Saul Steinberg | Wedding| Detail 3
Screen-printed glazed cotton furnishing textile, c. 1950
Saul Steinberg | Wedding| Detail 4
Screen-printed glazed cotton furnishing textile, c. 1950
Saul Steinberg | Wedding| Detail 5
Screen-printed glazed cotton furnishing textile, c. 1950
Saul Steinberg | Wedding| Detail 6
Screen-printed glazed cotton furnishing textile, c. 1950
Saul Steinberg | Arab Town
Roller-printed cotton border print fashion textile, New York, c. 1952
I don’t know about you, but to me Steinberg’s designs have not dated one bit! Do you like the work?