New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) will present a retrospective of Jack Lenor Larsen, one of the foremost designers and producers of high-end textiles in the U.S. “Jack Lenor Larsen: 40 Years” will present an array of original textiles from Larsen’s extensive 40-year career, on view at the NYSID Gallery from September 19-December 5.
Larsen founded his eponymous firm in 1952 and went on to become a dominant resource for signature fabrics. The “Larsen Look,” which began with Larsen’s own award-winning hand-woven fabrics of natural yarns in random repeats, has evolved to become synonymous with 20th century design at its pinnacle. His inspiration comes from textile traditions throughout the world using traditional and modern weaving methods. His designs are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
In addition to his illustrious career as a textile designer, Larsen is also the founder of LongHouse Reserve, a public garden and art collection in East Hampton, NY. The estate, which also serves as Larsen’s home, has 16 acres of arboretum and sculpture gardens and extensive educational programs that bring together art, nature, aesthetics and spirit. He has also authored Fabrics for Interiors: A Guide for Architects, Designers, and Consumers and Jack Lenor Larsen: A Weaver's Memoir.
The exhibition will include Larsen’s commissions from famous architects plus fabrics from his solo-exhibit at the Palais du Louvre. The works demonstrate his deftness with handcraft as well as innovations in new materials and untried technology—often in bold colors. Viewers will perceive Larsen’s persistent urging to reinforce individuality, as Larsen states, “in this mass world our supporting the singular is more crucial than taste.”
The fabrics will be hung on bamboo frames from bamboo grown at LongHouse. Additional textiles, wall coverings and custom tapestries will also be on view, as well as images of Larsen’s rugs, bedding, upholstered furniture and interiors featuring Larsen textiles. The exhibition will also include select textiles from Cowtan & Tout, the company that acquired Larsen Inc. in 1997.
The following lectures will accompany the exhibit:
Jack Lenor Larsen: Master of Textile Design. Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 6 – 8pm. A discussion on the career and contributions of innovative craftsman and designer Jack Lenor Larsen. Panelists include Hugh Hardy, Principal of H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture; Lou Gropp, former editor of House Beautiful; and textile designer Sherri Donghia. Moderated by Judith Gura, Design History Instructor at NYSID.
Designing the Winter Landscape: From Private Gardens to Public Parks. Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 6 – 8pm. Though snow may coat the landscape, winter can bring new beauty to garden foliage. The special character of some exceptional gardens will be discussed and illustrated by the celebrated people who design and nurture them. Jack Lenor Larsen will speak about the gardens at LongHouse Reserve; Juan Montoya will discuss his gardens in Garrison, New York; and landscape architect Thomas Balsley of Thomas Balsley Associates will talk about recent projects including Chelsea Waterside Park and Riverside Park South in New York.
Lectures will take place at the NYSID Auditorium, 170 East 70th Street, NYC. Tickets are $12 for general public, $10 seniors and non-NYSID students, free for NYSID students. rsvp@nysid.edu or call 212-472-1500 x440.
