"Toys," said Alexander Girard, "represent a microcosm of man's world and dreams; they exhibit fantasy, imagination, humor and love." In addition to his work in textiles, Girard distinguished himself as a designer of furniture, interiors and even toys. He also had a strong interest in folk art, and in 1963, he created a collection of Wooden Dolls for his own Santa Fe home. The painted surfaces of these semi-abstract, sculptural figures show aesthetic elements from Central America as well as Eastern Europe and Italy. Part decorative object and part toy, the Wooden Dolls were originally created for Girard's own use. He also may have planned their distribution through the "Textiles & Objects Shop" in New York City, which he operated for Herman Miller from 1961 to 1963. This mixed group of figures, some cheerful and others stern, is now being introduced in a special edition series based on documents and originals in the Alexander Girard Archive of the Vitra Design Museum. Each Doll comes individually boxed in wooden gift box. Made in Germany.
Click additional views to see each available doll
Materials
Solid pine wood; hand-painted with mixed media, including feathers, twine, etc.
Measurements
DOLL 1: H 10.75" W 2" D 1.5" DOLL 2: H 7.25" W 3" D 1.75" DOLL 3: H 5.75" W 3" D 1.75" DOLL 4: H 10.75" W 3" D 1.75" DOLL 5: H 10.75" W 2" D 1.5" DOLL 6: H 7" W 2.75" D 1.75" DOLL 7: H 12" W 1.75" D 1.5" DOLL 8: H 8.25" W 2.75" D 1.75" DOLL 9: H 8" W 2.5" D 1.75" DOLL 10: H 6.25" W 3" D 1.75" DOLL 11: H 7.75" W 3" D 1.75" DOLL 12: H 7.25" W 3" D 1.75" DOLL 13: H 6.75" W 2.75" D 1.75" DOLL 14: H 10.25" W 2" D 1.75" DOLL 15: H 6" W 2.75" D 1.75" DOLL 16: H 9.75" W 1.75" D 1.5"
"Art is only art when it is synonymous with living."
There are two certitudes commonly assigned to mid-century designer Alexander Girard: He was the least well-known of the great designers at Herman Miller in the 1950s and 1960s, and he was the greatest colorist and textile designer of modern time. Although seemingly contradictory, both statements are accurate and are a reflection of Girard and the time period in which he worked. During his career, Girard energized the furniture designs of his Herman Miller colleagues with a new, vibrant color palette and an oeuvre of folk-inspired textiles. He was the first modern designer to define textiles as being more than just functional and to further emphasize form through the application of color and pattern. Read more >