Alexander Girard
Alexander Girard (1907–1993) was a highly influential textile artist and interior designer in the 20th century. He played a crucial role in American modernism, collaborating with notable figures like Charles and Ray Eames and George Nelson. With a cosmopolitan upbringing and a blend of European and American roots, Girard's formative years in New York and Florence, Italy, greatly influenced his skills.
In addition to designing furniture and small objects, Girard also crafted stunning interiors for restaurants, private clients, and corporations, along with over 300 iconic textile designs, mainly for Herman Miller, where he served as the director of the textile division starting in 1951.
Girard's designs featured mesmerising and bold combinations of colours, patterns, and geometric forms, reflecting his inspiration from folk art worldwide. His passion for collecting such objects was evident in his interior design projects and impressive exhibitions. Notably, he curated the exhibition "Multiple Visions: A Common Bond" at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe in 1982, which remains on display today.
