Late 20th Century Monumental Kinder-Harris “Harpers” Art Deco Revival Diptych Installation | Signed Barbour | Style No. 5497-10

Details

Description

These work represent a Monumental Art Deco Revival Statement by Kinder-Harris.

It is difficult to decide what is more spectacular … Read more These work represent a Monumental Art Deco Revival Statement by Kinder-Harris.

It is difficult to decide what is more spectacular about this extraordinary pair—the dramatic Art Deco Revival compositions themselves, or the remarkable original Kinder-Harris architectural presentation surrounding them.
Offered as a rare matched diptych, these monumental artworks represent the height of late twentieth-century decorative design. Created by the celebrated Kinder-Harris Studio, the works retain their original production labels identifying the series as:

“Harpers”
Style No. 5497-10

Each composition is hand-signed “Barbour.”

Together, the two works create a striking mirrored installation: elongated figures facing one another in theatrical poses, surrounded by flowing garments, sculptural headdresses, and elegant geometric forms. Their scale and symmetry create the feeling of a commissioned interior installation rather than simply framed artwork.

This is the type of decorative artwork that defines a room.

Art Deco Revival Influence
The compositions beautifully capture the glamour of the Art Deco Revival movement popular throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
The elongated figures, stylized poses, flowing drapery, exaggerated headdresses, and restrained palette of black, cream, muted gold, and blush tones recall the visual language of the great Art Deco fashion illustrators of the early twentieth century, including Erté, George Barbier, Paul Colin, and René Gruau.

The works are not reproductions of historical Art Deco imagery; rather, they represent a late twentieth-century reinterpretation of Deco elegance through the lens of luxury interior design.

The bold circular elements, graphic silhouettes, and theatrical styling also reflect the Postmodern decorative aesthetic of the era.

The Kinder-Harris Presentation
The framing is an essential part of the artwork.
Carolyn Kinder and Kinder-Harris became nationally recognized for elevating framed wall décor into complete design statements through innovative matting and presentation techniques.

Each work features:

• oversized architectural metallic frame
• multiple stepped beveled mat layers
• dimensional reveals
• coordinated neutral and metallic finishes
• original Kinder-Harris presentation

The result is a sculptural wall installation with exceptional depth and presence.

The framing alone represents the level of craftsmanship and customization rarely found in contemporary decorative artwork.

The Kinder-Harris Legacy
Founded by Carolyn Kinder in 1974, Kinder-Harris became one of America's most influential luxury decorative wall décor companies during the late twentieth century.
Beginning as a custom framing studio, Carolyn Kinder developed a signature approach that combined innovative framing techniques, mixed-media applications, global design influences, and carefully curated artwork.

Under her direction, Kinder-Harris grew into an internationally recognized home accessories company whose work was embraced by interior designers, furniture retailers, and collectors seeking sophisticated statement pieces.

Carolyn Kinder later continued this design philosophy through Carolyn Kinder International, maintaining her celebrated approach of:

“Trendless, Timeless, Well-Traveled Style.”

Research Note: The “Barbour” Signature, Karen Barbour, and “Harpers”
The artwork is hand-signed “Barbour.”
During research into this collection, an intriguing possible connection emerged between this signature and illustrator Karen Barbour, whose career developed during the same period that Kinder-Harris was producing its most recognizable Art Deco Revival collections.

Karen Barbour is known for a bold graphic illustration style characterized by expressive figures, strong silhouettes, imaginative compositions, and decorative color relationships—qualities that share visual similarities with many late twentieth-century Postmodern and Art Deco Revival designs.

The title documented on the Kinder-Harris label, “Harpers,” adds another interesting avenue of research. Karen Barbour’s career intersected with the broader world of commercial illustration and publishing, including the influential visual culture surrounding Harper-related publications and fashion illustration.

This connection is presented as a research observation rather than confirmed provenance. No surviving Kinder-Harris archival documentation has been located definitively identifying Karen Barbour as the artist of this specific design.

The relationship is nonetheless fascinating within the larger history of illustration and decorative arts. Publications such as Harper’s Bazaar played an important role in connecting fashion, illustration, and graphic design throughout the twentieth century. Artists such as Andy Warhol also worked within this commercial illustration world early in their careers, demonstrating the important creative exchange between publishing, fashion, and fine art.

For accuracy, this work is catalogued as:

Kinder-Harris “Harpers”
Style No. 5497-10
Signed “Barbour”

Rarity & Collector Appeal
Monumental Kinder-Harris works of this scale are increasingly difficult to locate, particularly with:
✓ original labels
✓ original framing
✓ matching companion pieces
✓ exceptional estate preservation
✓ intact decorative relationship

Many decorative works from this period have been separated, reframed, or lost over time.

This surviving pair represents a rare opportunity to acquire a complete Kinder-Harris installation as originally intended.

Comparative Market Note
Documented Kinder-Harris examples remain scarce in the secondary market.
A comparable signed Kinder-Harris work, Tim Vance’s “Deco Kimono II,” has been offered through luxury design marketplaces at approximately $2,995. Like the present work, it features:

• Kinder-Harris production
• signed artwork
• Art Deco Revival styling
• monumental presentation
• original framing

The present diptych distinguishes itself through its larger overall installation, matched pair format, original relationship between works, and exceptional preservation.

Condition
Excellent vintage condition.
This remarkable pair has been exceptionally preserved in a meticulously maintained private estate.

Both works retain:

• original artwork
• original frames
• original layered matting
• original Kinder-Harris labels
• hand signatures

There may be minor age-appropriate evidence of wear, including:

• very small areas of frame wear
• minor tears or handling marks to original backing paper

These details are consistent with age and professional framing history and do not detract from the extraordinary presentation.

The artwork itself remains vibrant, clean, and beautifully preserved.

Dimensions
Each Artwork:
Framed: 43" H × 63" W

Artwork: approximately 38" H × 58" W

Combined display width:

Approximately 86"–90" depending upon spacing.

Materials
Decorative mixed-media artwork
Paper support

Architectural custom framing

Multiple beveled mat layers

Metallic finishes

Original Kinder-Harris presentation

Style Categories
Art Deco Revival
Hollywood Regency

Postmodern

Modern Classic

Designer Wall Décor

Luxury Interior Design

Oversized Statement Artwork

Decorative Arts

Period
Late 20th Century
Circa 1980s

Maker
Kinder-Harris, Inc.
Founded by Carolyn Kinder

Shipping
Due to the monumental scale and importance of this pair, professional art handling is recommended.
The works will be carefully prepared for shipment using appropriate oversized artwork protection.

Local white-glove delivery or specialized art transportation is available upon request.

Local pickup is warmly welcomed.

Seller’s Note:
I have handled many exceptional decorative pieces, but this pair immediately stood apart.
The combination of monumental scale, original Kinder-Harris presentation, and the fact that the two works survived together is extraordinarily special. When displayed facing one another, they create a visual conversation and architectural presence that simply cannot be achieved by two unrelated works.

For that reason, I have chosen to preserve the integrity of the original installation and offer this extraordinary pair together.

Offered as the complete original matched diptych.

Styles: Carolyn Kinder
Kinder-Harris
Art Deco Revival
Hollywood Regency
Monumental Wall Art
Architectural Wall Art
Oversized Framed Art
Decorative Arts
Postmodern
Luxury Interior Design
Designer Wall Décor
Statement Artwork
Diptych
Fashion Illustration
1980s Design
Memphis Era
Framed Mixed Media
American Decorative Art

Shipping:
Due to their exceptional size and importance, these artworks will be professionally packed with great care.

The pair will ship together in a custom-built art crate or equivalent professional packaging to ensure safe arrival. See less