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Upholstery Fabric for the Fisher Theater

A work made of cotton and wool, plain weave with supplementary pile warps forming cut solid velvet; printed.

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  • A work made of cotton and wool, plain weave with supplementary pile warps forming cut solid velvet; printed.

Date:

c. 1928

Artist:

Designed by Mrs. Howard C. Blake (American) for Anker S. Graven and Arthur Guy Mayger Architectural Firm (American, active c. 1891–1948)
United States, Michigan, Detroit

About this artwork

This velvet was designed to fit into the highly fantastical and elaborate Pre-Columbian inspired interior of the Fisher Theater in Detroit, illustrated in the panel to the left. The brightly colored and boldly patterned fabric, which features an abstract figure, coordinated with the overall theatricality of the environment. Pre-Columbian art and architecture became increasingly popular among American designers during the 1920s and ‘30s, in part due to the perception that these ancient art forms set a precedent for American artistic achievement independent of Europe.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Textiles

Artists

Mrs. Howard C. Blake (Designer) , Arthur Guy Mager (Commissioned by) , A. F. Graven (Commissioned by)

Title

Upholstery Fabric for the Fisher Theater

Places

Michigan (Object made for), Detroit (Object made for), United States (Object made in)

Date

Made 1918-1938

Medium

Cotton and wool, plain weave with supplementary pile warps forming cut solid velvet; printed

Dimensions

183.5 × 141.3 cm (72 1/4 × 55 5/8 in.); Repeat: 68.4 × 68.5 cm (27 × 27 in.)

Credit Line

Purchased with funds provided by Mrs. Ralph P. Youngren

Reference Number

1990.516

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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