Article Number : 4336 |
|
Article Detail |
|
 | |
| Date | 3/31/2009 10:06:32 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4336 |
| Abstract | DALTON—A piece of history has come home—well, almost. A 1951 rug designed by Henri Matisse has been donated to the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) on behalf of the carpet industry by the family of the late Robert Saunders... |
| Article | DALTON—A piece of history has come home—well, almost. A 1951 rug designed by Henri Matisse has been donated to the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) on behalf of the carpet industry by the family of the late Robert Saunders. Commissioned by the Alexander Smith & Sons Carpet Co, the rug, titled Mimosa, was designed by the internationally renowned artist at age 81 around the same time he completed a monumental four-year project of designing the interior, glass windows and decorations of the Chapelle du Rosaire in Venice. At the time of its creation, Matisse said of the rug, “I want to recapture the freshness of vision which is characteristic of extreme youth, when all the world is new.” CRI said the piece is a textile work of art in which the resources of modern industry enhance the visual statement of an exceptional artist. “We are honored that the family of Robert Saunders chose CRI to receive this beautiful rug,” said Werner Braun, the organization’s president. “Apart from its monetary value, it reminds us of the potential for beauty and creativity carpets and rugs offer the world.” Robert Saunders, 91, passed away in Charleston, S.C., on Dec. 24, 2008. He had a long career in the flooring industry starting with Mohawk Industries prior to World War II. After serving in the war, he resumed his career with Mohawk and served as president of two of the company’s subsidiaries in the 1950s. Saunders is remembered for his integrity and attention to detail during a career of over 40 years of service to the carpet industry. |