New York, NY — July 30, 2012 — 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”—on view from September 19 - December 5, 2012 at the NYSID Gallery, 161 East 69th Street, NYC— will present an array of original textiles from Larsen’s extensive 40-year career.

Larsen founded the firm that bears his name 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. He is known for drawing inspiration from textile traditions throughout the world, using traditional and modern weaving methods.

In addition to his illustrious career as a textile designer, Larsen is also the founder of Long House 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.

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 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.

Larsen is one of the world's foremost advocates of traditional and contemporary crafts and his works are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and many more. His books include Fabrics for Interiors: A Guide for Architects, Designers, and Consumers (1975, John Wiley & Sons) and Jack Lenor Larsen: A Weaver's Memoir (2003, Harry N. Abrams).

RELATED LECTURES:

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; Louis Oliver 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, ext. 405.

GALLERY HOURS: The NYSID Gallery will be open from Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 6pm. For information call 212-472-1500, ext. 405. If you are planning to visit from out of town, it is advisable to call to check on gallery hours due to holiday closings.

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Founded in 1916, the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) is New York’s only private, not-for-profit college devoted exclusively to interior design education and related disciplines. NYSID’s guiding principle is that the interior environment is a fundamental element of human welfare and the college is committed to actively improving the quality of life for all segments of humanity. This ideal is put into practice by a dedicated faculty of well-known designers, architects, art historians, and authorities in the field who guide more than 900 full-and part-time students.

NYSID offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs in the field of interior design. The college is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD); is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education; and NYSID’s BFA is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).