art deco

Tapis et Tissus

Carpets and Fabrics is a portfolio volume about the famous series of textile design pattern books published in 1929 by Charles Moreau in Paris. Textile artist Sonia Delaunay edited this collection of textiles, created by her contemporary Art Deco and modernist designers. Like her own work, the designs incorporate geometric shapes and abstract patterns for rugs and fabrics, the idea of modernism being that the overall design of interiors and fashion be a coordinated look.

Le Spectacle est Dans la Rue

Cassandre, pseudonym of Adolphe Jean-Marie Mouron (1901 –1968), was a French painter, commercial poster artist, and typeface designer whose inventive graphic techniques show influences of Surrealism and Cubism. He was very popular in Europe and the United States during the 1930s. In 1935, Cassandre signed an exclusive contract with the firm of Draeger Freres for the French editions of his posters. Draeger, a French printer who published some of the masterpieces of French design was a pioneer of advertising.

The Wiener Werkstatte, 1903-1928

This beautifully illustrated English version of the German Die Wiener Werkstätte, 1903-1928 : Modernes Kunstgewerbe und Sein Weg, commemorates the artists and design of the Wiener Werkstätte - a production community of visual artists founded by Koloman Moser and Josef Hoffmann which was active in Vienna from 1903 to 1928. The book is an artistic novelty, or "Kachelband," designed by Mathilde Flögl (1893-1950), inspired by Hoffman and incorporating innovative use of typography, layout, and bold colors such as gold, silver, red, and black.

Wendingen: Vol. 6: No. 11-12 (1924)

Wendingen (Dutch:Inversions / Upheaval) was an art magazine published from 1918 to 1932. It was a monthly publication aimed at architects and interior designers, and included discussions on graphics, sculpture, ceramics, glass, and theatrical design. The magazine gained recognition not only through its content but also by its remarkable square format, striking typography, and beautiful covers. In 1924, vol.

Wendingen: Vol. 4: No. 11 (1921)

El Lissitzky (1890-1941) was a Russian avant-garde artist, designer, photographer, typographer, and architect whose work greatly influenced the Bauhaus and constructivist movements. His experimentation with techniques and styles went on to dominate 20th Century graphic design. Lissitzky designed this cover of Wendingen, an international Dutch magazine focusing on modern architecture, art, and design from 1918-1931. This issue was dedicated entirely to Frank Lloyd Wright with text by H.P.

God's Trombones

Seven sermons, written in verse, inspired by memories of sermons by black preachers heard by Mr. Johnson in childhood.  They are titled: Listen, Lord; a prayer; The creation; The prodigal son; Go down death; A funeral sermon; Noah built the ark; The crucifixion; Let my people go; and The judgment day. The book is illustrated by Aaron Douglas, who was best known for his depiction of African-Americans in the 1920s-1930s notably a four panel mural for the New York Public Library entitled “Aspects of Negro Life” in 1934 for the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP).  

School of Design in Chicago

A rare illustrated catalog detailing the curriculum, philosophy, and staff of the School of Design in Chicago –also known as The New Bauhaus.   The school was created by Hungarian born Bauhaus masters László Moholy-Nagy and Gregöry Kepes in 1937, both of whom had recently arrived in Chicago. Also included are several examples of photograms and innovative layouts by the aforementioned designers.  A copy of the catalog is currently on display at Moholy-Nagy exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.   

The Becken Book

The A.C. Becken Company, established in 1887 in Chicago, was a major wholesale distributor of housewares, jewelry, tools, musical instruments, leather goods, desk accessories, tools, eyeglasses, and assorted novelties. This annual catalog for the year 1937 issued to “recognized jewelers only,” contains nearly 800-pages of items ranging from a wide selection of elegant Elgin watches to metal employee and police badges in various shapes and sizes.  Included are streamline –art deco era–lighter and cigarette cases, watches, clocks, luggage, tableware, and jewelry.