A Dark, A Light, A Bright: The Designs of Dorothy Liebes
NO. B086
Susan Brown and Alexa Griffith Winton (eds.)
Preserved in our design reference library. Inquire to visit and use as a resource.
Yale University Press, 2023
The first major publication devoted to weaver and designer Dorothy Liebes, reinstating her as one of the most influential American designers of the twentieth century
At the time of her death, Dorothy Liebes (1897–1972) was called “the greatest modern weaver and the mother of the twentieth-century palette.” As a weaver, she developed a distinctive combination of unusual materials, lavish textures, and brilliant colors that came to be known as the “Liebes Look.” Yet despite her prolific career and recognition during her lifetime, Liebes is today considerably less well known than the men with whom she often collaborated, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Henry Dreyfuss, and Edward Durrell Stone. Her legacy also suffered due to the inability of the black-and-white photography of the period to represent her richly colored and textured works.
Extensively researched and illustrated with full-color, accurate reproductions, this important publication examines Liebes’s widespread impact on twentieth-century design. Essays explore major milestones of her career, including her close collaborations with major interior designers and architects to create custom textiles, the innovative and experimental design studio where she explored new and unusual materials, her use of fabrics to enhance interior lighting, and her collaborations with fashion designers, including Clare Potter and Bonnie Cashin. Ultimately, this book reinstates Liebes at the pinnacle of modern textile design alongside such recognized figures as Anni Albers and Florence Knoll.
Beautifully designed by Estudio Herrera, the book offers the reader a tactile experience. The real cloth cover with silkscreened typography and inset photograph opens to reveal an exposed spine and colored threads that tie together the page signatures and echo Liebes’s own craft.
"It's rare to find a rug company that offers unique antiques, curated with a historical eye. And the best quality customization for anything you might need. All while being treated like family - love those guys."
— Andre Mellone, Studio Mellone
The Rug & Kilim Standard
The Rug & Kilim Standard
A standard since our inception upheld across every acquisition, transaction, and delivery.
45+ Year Old Institution
More than four decades of expertise and stewardship, under the leadership of our Principal, Jahanshah "Josh" Nazmiyal.
Favorable Return Policy
Our return policy is 48 hours upon receipt allowing you to confirm the purchase in your space with confidence.
Product Warranty
Each rug is hand selected or produced through the most reputable sources under the direct supervision of our Principal.
Trusted Global Delivery
Reliable worldwide delivery handled with care, precision and constant communication.
Exceptional Support
Attentive, knowledgeable guidance before and after purchase from our dedicated team of specialists.
Long Term Care
We stand behind every piece we place and remain a resource to our clients for the lifetime of their collection.
A Dark, A Light, A Bright: The Designs of Dorothy Liebes
NO. B086
Susan Brown and Alexa Griffith Winton (eds.)
Preserved in our design reference library. Inquire to visit and use as a resource.
Yale University Press, 2023
The first major publication devoted to weaver and designer Dorothy Liebes, reinstating her as one of the most influential American designers of the twentieth century
At the time of her death, Dorothy Liebes (1897–1972) was called “the greatest modern weaver and the mother of the twentieth-century palette.” As a weaver, she developed a distinctive combination of unusual materials, lavish textures, and brilliant colors that came to be known as the “Liebes Look.” Yet despite her prolific career and recognition during her lifetime, Liebes is today considerably less well known than the men with whom she often collaborated, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Henry Dreyfuss, and Edward Durrell Stone. Her legacy also suffered due to the inability of the black-and-white photography of the period to represent her richly colored and textured works.
Extensively researched and illustrated with full-color, accurate reproductions, this important publication examines Liebes’s widespread impact on twentieth-century design. Essays explore major milestones of her career, including her close collaborations with major interior designers and architects to create custom textiles, the innovative and experimental design studio where she explored new and unusual materials, her use of fabrics to enhance interior lighting, and her collaborations with fashion designers, including Clare Potter and Bonnie Cashin. Ultimately, this book reinstates Liebes at the pinnacle of modern textile design alongside such recognized figures as Anni Albers and Florence Knoll.
Beautifully designed by Estudio Herrera, the book offers the reader a tactile experience. The real cloth cover with silkscreened typography and inset photograph opens to reveal an exposed spine and colored threads that tie together the page signatures and echo Liebes’s own craft.
"Josh and his team have supported my interior design work, as well as my personal projects, for over 20 years. Their inimitable combination of creativity, personal attention, professionalism and joie de vivre are irresistible."
— Claire Fleming Peters, Fleming Peters
The Rug & Kilim Standard
The Rug & Kilim Standard
A standard since our inception upheld across every acquisition, transaction, and delivery.
45+ Year Old Institution
More than four decades of expertise and stewardship, under the leadership of our Principal, Jahanshah "Josh" Nazmiyal.
Favorable Return Policy
Our return policy is 48 hours upon receipt allowing you to confirm the purchase in your space with confidence.
Product Warranty
Each rug is hand selected or produced through the most reputable sources under the direct supervision of our Principal.
Trusted Global Delivery
Reliable worldwide delivery handled with care, precision and constant communication.
Exceptional Support
Attentive, knowledgeable guidance before and after purchase from our dedicated team of specialists.
Long Term Care
We stand behind every piece we place and remain a resource to our clients for the lifetime of their collection.