Florence Knoll: Defining Modern
May 9 through July 13, 2008 (JUST EXTENDED)
Kirkland Museum has developed an entirely different approach to the national traveling exhibition Florence Knoll: Defining Modern. Her career—represented by her iconic furniture and photographs of her prestigious projects—is shown in context with that of her mentors, colleagues and later Knoll company designers.
This exhibition originated at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and will have traveled to five national design schools prior to arriving in Denver—New York School of Interior Design, Purdue University (Indiana), Boston Architectural College, Ohio State University, and the College for Creative Studies (Michigan).
In its unique incarnation at Kirkland Museum, Defining Modern highlights the nine pieces of furniture and a vase designed by Florence Knoll, which are the core of the traveling exhibition. They will be positioned on the far wall from where one enters the room, tantalizingly at a distance, with a modern sculpture placed to divide the pieces into living room and office areas. A 1969 Valentine Typewriter by Ettore Sottsass and Perry King will sit on the desk/table, along with a brightly colored 1954 dial phone by Henry Dreyfuss. Similar accoutrement will be dotted about to make the arrangements feel comfortable and livable—so that one would want to sit down and entertain. The touring Knoll pieces will be augmented with extra pieces from the extensive Kirkland Museum collection.
Click here for full Florence Knoll: Defining Modern Press Release
