lucienne day

Lucienne Day, Fall (1952)


I learned today (via Twitter friend @SllabStudios who has a great blog, ArsLonga, dedicated to modern design and "thrift shop archaeology"--love that!) that British textile artist Lucienne Day had died on January 30, at the age of 93. Day was considered the leading female textile designer of post-World War II Britain. Her colorful, abstract designs show echoes of two of my favorite artists, Joan Miró and Alexander Calder.

You can read more about Day here, in her obituary in The Guardian.

Lucienne Day, Apollo (circa-late 1950s)


I first learned about Lucienne Day last January when my parents, Andy, and I visited the fabulous Designing Women of Postwar Britain exhibit at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Day--whose designs have been featured on everything from whimsical tea towels to Converse Jack Purcell sneakers--was featured along with fellow textile artists Marian Mahler and Jacqueline Groag. I took the photos shown here on my blog at the exhibit.

Marian Mahler, Untitled (Mobiles), ca. 1952

Marian Mahler, Untitled (Bird Chair), ca. 1950s

Marian Mahler, dress made of Untitled (Linear Flowers), ca. 1953

Lucienne Day, l-r: Larch (1961), Sequoia (1959), Plantation (1958)

The exhibit was a total feast for the eyes. I could have easily spent the entire day there, dreaming of covering every wall of our home (and my self) in these incredible textiles! Happily, my mom bought me the full-color book of the exhibit, so I can open it up and peruse these works whenever I feel like it.

Lucienne Day, Linden (1960)

If you follow the links here, you'll see many more examples of Day's work. And if you search Lucienne Day on ebay, you'll find those really cool Jack Purcells. I'm very tempted to get a pair!

xo
K