Textile Samples

Details

Descriptive Terms

cloth
Sample, Material
Sample, Material

Label

Ben Thompson, the donor's husband, was a member of The Architects Collaborative. In 1952, he started Design Research in Cambridge to provide appropriate furnishings for modernist interiors. According to the donor, Ben Thompson first saw Marimekko textiles at the Brussels Worlds Fair in 1957 and subsequently asked an intern to bring some examples back to Boston when returning from a summer internship in Finland. Thompson then negotiated an exclusive to import Marimekko textiles which were sold at Design Research by the yard for clothing or furnishings. Pillows, men's shirts, women's dresses, umbrellas and other household items made from this printed cotton fabric were also sold at Design Research. According to the donor, Marimekko fabric was used for both clothing and furnishings, regardless of its design or weight.

Inscription

Fabric 1: "3013 MUUNTOPAITA, naisten / 3014 MUUNTOPAITA, miesten / Voimaraita - lakana" "39."
Fabric 2: "35."
Fabric 3: "40."
Fabric 4: "63."
Fabric 5: "54." (Printed paper label)

Pattern

Muuntopaita

Associated Person

Thompson, Ben, Mr.

Additional Identification Number

3082

People and Organizations

Design Research

Thompson, Ben, Mr.

Maker

Marimekko (Manufacturer)

Location of Origin

Finland; Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dimensions

11 1/8 x 8 1/4 (HxW) (inches)

Credit Line

Gift of Jane Thompson

Accession Number

2000.491.1

Related Items

Title 19 Accession Number 2000.491.1