9:30 a.m. Refreshments
10:00-11:00 Lecture by Dr. Robert Aibel, Founder & Director, Moderne Gallery, Philadelphia
Sponsored by Sharon and John Amdall
Following World War II, many American designers rejected the factory system of mass-producing functional objects in favor of individual artisans who conceived of and executed their own original designs. Some embraced historic craft methods, while others experimented with new methods and materials. The Studio Arts Movement took shape in clay, metal, fiber, glass, and wood.
Studio art designs reflect the personal visions of their makers and take many directions. Wharton Esherick and George Nakashima on the East Coast and Sam Maloof and Arthur Espenet Carpenter on the West Coast were the major figures among the first generation of American hand-crafted furniture makers. This lecture by Dr. Robert Aibel, a leading expert on the Studio Craft Movement, will explore the careers and work of Esherick and Nakashima in particular.
Aibel is the founding owner of Moderne Gallery in Philadelphia. He lectures regularly and has authored several publications on studio furniture. He holds BA, MA, and PhD degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.
Image: George Nakashima (1905-1990), Conoid Room Divider, 1989, Persian walnut and pandanus cloth.
Commentary: The room divider functions as a storage cabinet with sliding doors concealing adjustable shelves but is designed to be seen from all four sides. The room divider was also made in a wider version with three sliding doors. Width: up to 84”, depth: 18”, height: 24”.
