Jack Lenor Larsen
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Jack Lenor Larsen: Master of Textile Design
Jack Lenor LarsenA series of lectures accompanied by a major retrospective called “Jack Lenor Larsen: 40 Years” are on their way to the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID). The Retrospective will celebrate the designer’s 40th years as a renowned high-end textile producer in the United States. This major exhibit will be on view from September 19 through December 5, 2012 at the NYSID Gallery located at 161 East 69 Street in New York City. Jack Lenor Larsen founded his design 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. The famed designer is also well known for drawing inspiration from textile traditions throughout the world, using traditional and modern weaving methods.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 stellar use of handcraft as well as his innovations in new materials and untried technology—often in heady 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.” In keeping with LongHouse’s (Lenor’s home, also a public garden and art collection in East Hampton, NY) mission to bring together art and nature, the fabrics will be hung on bamboo frames (the bamboo is 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 merged with Larsen Inc. in 1997 and has been designing and distributing Larsen Fabrics ever since.The following are the lectures to look for:
- 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.
- Awards, Events, Interior Design, Jack Lenor Larsen, Life and Style, New York School of Interior Design
The New York School of Interior Design honors Jack Lenor Larsen and Thomas Woltz
Jack Lenor Larsen, and Thomas Woltz honored by The New York School of Interior DesignJack Lenor Larsen received lifetime achievement award, and Thomas Woltz, the Thomas N. Armstrong III Award for Landscape Design. Last night, The New York School of Interior Design honored textile pioneer Jack Lenor Larsen with a Lifetime Achievement Award and noted landscape
designer Thomas Woltz with the school’s first Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design at its 2nd annual Spring Benefit, held at The Metropolitan Club, in New York. While receiving his award, Mr Larsen humorlessly pointed out how delighted he was to be in a room which made him looked younger.Patricia Sovern (Chairman of the Board of the New York School of Interior Design), Jack Lenor Larsen, Thomas Woltz. Photos courtesy Photography by Annie Watt ©
NYSID Spring Benefit at The Metropolitan Club
Thomas Woltz, Patricia Sovern, David Sprouls
Lou Gropp , long-time former editor-in-chief of House Beautiful, Jack Lenor Larsen“I was lucky enough that I could go out and donew things that I did not know how to do yet.“– Jack Lenor Larsen
Marilyn White, Mario Buatta
From Left: Patricia Sovern, distinguished guest, Inge Heckel, Jack Lenor Larsen“The New York School of Interior Design is proud to celebrate the achievements of these two design luminaries for their innovative and distinguished careers, and to launch the Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design, in memory of our late trustee’s devotion to landscape design.”–Patricia Sovern
Elsie St. Léger (centered) and distinguished guests
Ellen S. Fisher, Ph.D. (NYSID VP for Academic Affairs & Dean), and distinguished guest
From left: Marc Gilbertson, Geoffrey Bradfield, and Roric Tobin
Distinguished guest
Distinguished guests
Lynn and Noel Jeffrey
Thomas Woltz (pictured on the screen)
Jack Lenor Larsen accepting his Lifetime Achievement Award at The Metropolitan Club
Distinguished guest
Thomas Woltz
Vyna St Phard, Jack Lenor LarsenPhoto courtesy High End Weekly™
Distinguished guest, Margaret Russell (centered) and Phillip Gorivan
Patricia Sovern, Cynthia Hazen Polsky
Vyna St PhardPhotos courtesy Photography by Annie Watt ©Lou Gropp, long-time editor of House Beautiful Magazine and former NYSID trustee, presented Jack Lenor Larsen with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In memory of his father, Whitney Armstrong honored landscape architect Thomas Woltz with the first Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design. In September 2012, the school will continue their celebration of Larsen’s professional achievements with a major retrospective filling their 69th Street Gallery.Jack Larsen arrived in New York in 1951 to open his first design studio. This was at the beginning of the modern movement, and Larsen immediately understood that less is more, as the nation was influenced by the post war decade. Larsen became instrumental in revealing how textile design can be used to reinvigorate the modern architecture of that time. Over the years, he proved to be much more complexed as a designer, and is still known as the quintessential modernist, who was lured by the past, but admired many styles – especially tribal design. His friends and critics would agree that he is a major force in the world of design, a tireless traveller, successful entrepreneur, a passionate collector of other talents, and a friend to other artists.During his acceptance speech, Jack Lenor Larsen also pointed out that when he began his career, he was lucky enough to have started as someone who “did things that he did not know how to do yet”. And as a society, we should appreciate the beautiful, and natural things surrounding our every day lives, especially living in a world when just about everything is mass produced. He encouraged his friends and colleagues that were gathered together, to celebrate their individualities. He quoted his long-time friend Carl Sandberg who once told him while he was in college to “let us be different from other people, if being different comes easy and natural.” -
At Home with legendary textile designer, Jack Lenor Larsen
The Dream WeaverThere is nothing about textiles that Jack Lenor Larsen doesn’t know! His own fabrics are unique, original designs which are sometimes made from wire, plastics, synthetics and natural fibers. His construction of the fabric is always a surprise, and a delight to designers who get to work with them. Because of his originality and the depth of his understanding of textiles, he is a legend in the design industry, and beloved by so many of us, including myself. Jack Lenor Larsen is the son of Danish-Norwegian immigrants, and one of the most influential, respected, innovative textile designers of the past fifty years.Jack Lenor Larsen’s apartment in Murray Hill, New York
SereneThe apartment is a testament to Jack Larsen’s global travels, and his extraordinary style …
… and genius as an artist and visionary designer
Photos courtesy Jeffrey Hirsch, via New York Social Diary
This wool and silk rug from Jack Larson is spell bounding and will make a visual impact in any style room,
Photo via One Kings Lane
A great read and a must for any libraryGet it today on Amazon
Jack Lenor Larsen pictured inside his studyPhotos courtesy Jeffrey Hirsch, via New York Social DiaryHe not only made his name with Frank Lloyd Wright, who used his fabrics for the music room at Taliesin, or Marilyn Monroe who once shopped for his upholstery fabric whilst setting up her nest with Arthur Miller, Mr. Larsen was instrumental in opening up the huge world of textiles to the American public. He is a collector, artist, philanthropist, author, and world famous for his traditional and contemporary crafts. And above all that, I found him to be très gentil, a gentleman, and surprisingly humble, in all of my interactions with him. What a great example to us all.
NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you. - Celebrities, Decorative Arts, Designers, Dienst, Dotter Antikviteter, Events, Jack Lenor Larsen, Juan Montoya, Mario Buatto, Martha Stewart, Showrooms, Susan Zises Green, Thomas Wolz
Out and About: Dienst + Dotter Antikviteter
The Dienst + Dotter showroom located at 411 Lafayette Street (next door to the sophisticated celebrity-driven night club, Butter) is one of those showrooms in New York that stands out from the rest. Especially given its location.Jack Lenor Larsen, Thomas WoltzThey’ve been able to retained their loyal following from their original days in Sag Harbor, New York. Last night, the Scandinavian antique dealers hosted a kick off reception for the New York School of Interior Design’s Annual Spring Benefit which will honor visionary, scholar, world traveler, and authority on traditional and contemporary crafts, Jack Lenor Larsen and Thomas Woltz.The benefit will take place Wednesday, April 18 at the Metropolitan Club. I was horrendously busy this week, so it was a relief to be at this elegant, yet laid-back event which was so well attended by some of New York’s top design talents, editors, and socialites. Even the doyenne of lifestyle television, Martha Stewart, was in attendance. The 70 year old business magnate looked fabulous in a very tasteful and chic black leather pants, while she sauntered around the room in her high heel black suede boots. Nothing seemed to escape her notice, as she came prepared with her digital camera, and even took time to smell the showroom’s roses. This was my first time at Dienst + Dotter and I can tell you that I plan on visiting them soon. They have an outstanding collection of furniture that ranges from $500 to $50,000. When you get there, make sure you visit their bathroom as well. Yes. Take note of their 17th century letter which is cocooned inside this breathtaking antique frame, located right above the toilet seat. The bathroom is inviting and is in itself a haven of peace. I’ve always had a penchant for gorgeous and practical bathrooms, and this one is certainly an inspiration for my future designs.
Martha Stewart
Emma Dienst, Jill DienstPhotos courtesy Annie Watt
Martha Stewart
Atmosphere
Vyna St Phard, with Mario Buatto
Susan Zises Green, Juan Montoya
Polly Guerin
Laura Rothfuss, David J StockerPhotos courtesy High End Weekly™
Marilyn WhitePhoto courtesy Annie Watt
Penny-farthing, American Star Bicycle from 1885
Photos courtesy High End Weekly™
Dienst + DotterPhoto courtesy Richard Perry for The New York TimesYou May Also Like
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