Displaying items by tag: georgian

The impact of 18th century art and design on the work of distinguished British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood is celebrated in a new exhibition at Danson House this spring. "Vivienne Westwood: Cut from the Past" brings together for the first time a number of her ground-breaking designs, and explores the collections that proved to be her turning point both critically and commercially. The exhibition runs at Danson House, Bexleyheath from April 1 – October 31, 2015.

Danson House, a splendidly restored Georgian villa, provides a tailor-made backdrop to the exhibition which highlights Westwood’s seminal work of the 1990s which was influenced by the 18th century. Designs and outfits on show make particular reference to the Rococo paintings of French artists Watteau and Boucher. Westwood’s passion for 18th century design is also reflected in some earlier pieces from the ‘Cut, Slash and Pull’ and ‘Mini Crini’ collections, and the Malcom McLaren and Vivienne Westwood ‘Seditionaries’ Collection.

In 2008, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (formerly the Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum) embarked on a sweeping renovation of its home -- New York City’s landmark Andrew Carnegie Mansion. Founded in 1896, the museum has been housed in the massive Georgian structure, brimming with wood-paneled walls, stained glass, and carved ceilings, since 1976. Dedicated to historic and contemporary design, the institution hoped to create a space that better communicated its devotion to design evolution.

On December 12, following a three-year closure, the Cooper Hewitt will unveil its renovated and redesigned home to the public. The project, which cost approximately $91 million to complete, added sixty-percent more exhibition space, allowing the institution to present more of its monumental collection and temporary exhibitions. The revamped space also includes a new shop, casework, and movable displays designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, a new public staircase, a new freight elevator, and a redesigned outdoor garden by Hood Design.

Historic Deerfield’s President Philip Zea will lead a trip September 6-9, 2013 to view premier collections of antiques and decorative arts in Chicago and Milwaukee.

The trip includes special tours of five outstanding private collections and three remarkable area museums. Private collections include two top American decorative arts collections, an American folk art collection, Crab Tree Farm, and the MacLean Map and Book Collection. Special museum tours include the Art Institute of Chicago, Driehaus Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum and a presentation and private viewing at the Chipstone Foundation’s Fox Point Georgian mansion of the foundation’s founders Stanley and Polly Stone. You can register by calling 413-775-7176. A few slots are available. See www.historic-deerfield.org/trip for details.