1960s Ross Littell Musical Instrument Graphic Textile Wall Hanging

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This striking Midcentury Modern textile wall hanging is a creation of Ross Littell, an American textile, furniture, and industrial designer … Read more This striking Midcentury Modern textile wall hanging is a creation of Ross Littell, an American textile, furniture, and industrial designer associated with the American Good Design movement of the 1950s and ’60s.

Following WWII Coast Guard service, he studied at the Pratt Institute in New York, where he graduated with honors and a dual major in graphics and industrial design. In 1957, Littell was awarded a Fulbright fellowship for a year’s study in Italy. He is best known for both furniture and highly graphic textile designs with such noted furnishing houses as Laverne Originals, Knoll, and Herman Miller. He is particularly notable for designing the famous “T Chair” with William Katavolos and Douglas Kelley for Laverne in 1952 and now held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

The exact dating and origin of this piece is unknown but thought to be 1950s - 1960s. Littell designed textiles for Laverne Originals early in this period, one of which is documented in MOMA's 1955 Good Design directory. But, by 1960, he had relocated to Copenhagen, and later Italy, to work with famed European design houses such as Unika Vaev and De Padova. Undoubtedly, this example was produced sometime during this period but we can't state unequivocally whether it was during his time at Laverne Originals or soon after.

The piece consists of a raw linen fabric overprinted with highly stylized renditions of a variety of musical instruments; the textile top and bottom edges are slotted into teak wood rods and a clear filament line is attached to facilitate display. The piece, while firmly in the Midcentury Modern genre, has strong Art Deco / Modernist / Jazz Era overtones which enhance its appeal. Signed lower right "Ross Littell".

Dimensions: overall, 18"W x .75"D x 45.5"H (at rails); fabric 17.25"W.

Condition: The piece is in excellent, impeccable condition. Vibrant coloration, sharp graphics, smooth fabric with no fold marks or rubs, no fading, no edge wear. We rarely assess an "excellent" rating to a vintage or antique item as there is always wear from previous enjoyment but this is the exception. The textile appears to have never been displayed but is presumed to have spent its entire existence rolled and wrapped in protective coverings. We feel that you will not find a better preserved example of Mr. Littell's graphic textile work.

Free local pickup; otherwise will be shipped rolled (2"Dia x 18"W) in a protective tube via ground delivery. See less