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The Pikes Peak Region's Guide to Arts and CultureTuesday May 22, 2012Colorado Springs Area Weather

    VISUAL ARTS

    Opening reception for <i>Designing Women of Postwar Britain: Their Art and the Modern Interior</i>

    Opening reception for Designing Women of Postwar Britain: Their Art and the Modern Interior

    Presented by Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

    September 27, 2008

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    Come join us for this delightful opening reception for the Fine Arts Center's newest exhibition: Designing Women of Postwar Britain: Their Art and the Modern Interior.

    The art of textile design radically changed after World War II. Three women artists working in England in the 1950s were pivotal in this artistic revolution. The drab days of the War were suddenly washed with the light of the fresh, progressive designs by Lucienne Day, Marian Mahler and Jacqueline Groag. Original artist designs with bold abstract patterns inspired by Modern artists like Alexander Calder and Joan Miró, as well as the use of dramatic saturated color marked a dramatic departure from England’s conventional notions of interior fabric design. Designing Women showcases the stunning geometric and abstract designs of the three leaders with furnishing fabrics, hand-towels, and dishware in varied sizes and colors.
     
    Day changed the direction of furnishing fabrics with her 1951 design, Calyx. The revolutionary design, introduced at the Festival of Britain, captured the spirit of the era and subsequently received the coveted International Design Award of the American Institute of Decorators.
     
    “They brought together art, design, and everyday practicality,” said FAC Curator Tariana Navas-Nieves. “Their work is a reminder to all of us, that art beautifies our life, and that it should be accessible to all.”
     
    Exhibit curators Navas-Nieves and Shanna Shelby draw from the Denver collection of Jill A. Wiltse and H. Kirk Brown III, whose passion for this unique area of design showcases rare and hard to find patterns.
     
    “All the work showcased is stunning,” said Navas-Nieves. “Jill A. Wiltse and Kirk Brown have collected a great array of works. In addition to this, the exhibit brings a unique opportunity to represent how art is still an integral part of contemporary interior design. Elements of a 1950s living room, including period furniture and additional works by other important designers of the time like Paule Vezelay, Mary White and Mary Warren, will be presented in a special gallery to provide the right context of how the beautifully designed modern textiles were originally used.”


    • At-a-
      Glance

      • Venue Info

        Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

        30 West Dale Street
        Colorado Springs, CO 80903

        Full map and directions

      • Admission Info

        Tickets: $7.50 for FAC members $12 for non-members

        Info Phone: 719.634.5583

      • Dates & Times

        Dates:
        September 27, 2008

        Times:
        Opening reception: Saturday, September 27 from 5-8 p.m.
        Regular museum hours: Monday - Closed; Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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