Image by Genevieve Lutkin
Renowned interior designer Rose Uniacke caught our eye with her exhibit for this year's Frieze Masters in London that celebrated the extraordinary work of two master weavers: Peter Collingwood and Simone Prouvé. Featuring a range of woven pieces, the collection is a celebration of their craft legacies. We've shared some of the images from this stunning exhibit below, along with a bit of background on these two artists.
Image by Genevieve Lutkin
Peter Collingwood (1922-2008) was a British textile artist and weaver who pushed the boundaries of traditional weaving techniques. Born in 1922, Collingwood studied at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London and later became a lecturer at the Royal College of Art.
Image of Peter Collingwood at work, copyright of the Peter Collingwood Estate
His work is characterized by his experimental approach to weaving, as he played with different materials, textures, and patterns, creating structurally unique and visually stunning pieces. One of his most notable contributions to the field of weaving was his development of the "macrogauze" technique, combining steel & brass with linen threadwork to create bold sculptural forms.
Image by Genevieve Lutkin
French artist Simone Prouvé is widely regarded as one of the most talented tapestry weavers of her generation. Prouvé was born in 1931 into a family of artists and designers. Her father, Jean Prouvé, was a renowned architect and designer, her uncle, Jean Royere, a prominent furniture designer, and her grandfather, Victor Prouvé, one of the initiators of the École de Nancy movement, which spearheaded Art Nouveau in France. Prouvé studied art history and then trained in weaving techniques in Paris, Sweden and Finland.
Portrait of Simone Prouvé by Anthony Giradi
Prouvé's tapestries are characterized by their intricate designs and meticulous attention to detail. She draws inspiration from nature, architecture, and the human form, creating pieces that are both visually striking and emotionally evocative. She has said, “By weaving, I expressed myself freely, I wrote with the threads”. Prouvé's work is highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts, and eight of her major pieces are in the Centre Pompidou’s permanent collection.
Image by Francois Halard
Image by Genevieve Lutkin
