Alexander Girard...

One of my very best friends, Alex, has developed a someone awesome, and indeed inspiring, passion for mid-century modern design over the last couple years. I must concede that particular items I've come across, whilst flicking through his extensive library of intimidatingly large hardback books or sauntering through Copenhagen's Illums Bolighus, have interested me but never to the point of independently developing a individual fascination. However on Monday, again flicking through a newly acquired book of which I could only appreciated the photographs for the text was German, I stop immediately on the pages pertaining to the American designer Alexander Girard. So, here I am three hours after I started casually researching his work and absolutely obsessed with not only the amazing design pieces he produced but aspects of his character, such as his passion for the folk art of South America, Asia and Eastern Europe. 

These 17" square pillows resurrect two colourful Girard designs: a wallpaper pattern called 'Alphabet' and a drapery design called 'Fruit Tree'. Unfortunately these pillows featured in an exclusive range for Room and Board in 2007, costing $79 each, but can still be found online through Ebay. 

These classic Alexander Girard designed were reissued by Modernseed in 2006 and cost $49 each. Unfortunately they are no longer available but can most likely be sourced another way if you do enough research!

At the moment Urban Outfitters, but only the North American division, stock a range of Girard print pillows retailing at $38.00 a piece. The pillow above depicts the resurrection of Girard's 1972 'International Love' design, which includes the world 'love' written in 19 languages. It is 17" square, made from linen and cotton with a feather fill and made in the USA. Sadly, no international shipping available, making 'International Love' confined to national boundaries!   

'Daisy Face Panel' by Alexander Girard

'Façade Panel' by Alexander Girard

Currently available at Room&Board, amongst other retails, one can find ply-prints of various Girard designs. The prints in particular emphasis Girard's mastery at successfully mixing modern design with traditional folk-art themes. They cost $95 each, are produced from sustainably harvested maple plywood and are made in North Carolina. 

A particularly nice print.

Wooden Dolls designed and made by Alexander Girard. 

Alexander Girard famously headed the fabric and textile division of Herman Miller, 1952-1975, where, upon working with George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames, formed a design team that influenced the fundamentals of design. On another, more personal level Girard had a marked passion for folk-art.