A vibrant new exhibition of textiles and fashion by leading 20th-century artists opens at Aberdeen Art Gallery this weekend (Saturday 23 November).
Artist Textiles – Picasso to Warhol explores works on fabric as a popular artform in 20th century Britain, Europe and the United States through rare examples of textiles by leading artists including Alexander Calder, Salvador Dalí, Sonia Delaunay, Raoul Dufy, Barbara Hepworth, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso, Ben Nicholson and Andy Warhol.
The exhibition, which arrives in Aberdeen following a major international tour of venues in Europe, the US, Canada, Europe and China, is from the private collection of guest curators Geoff Rayner and Richard Chamberlain, and is organised by the Fashion and Textile Museum in London. It features over 130 items by some 40 artists, including 19 garments and a special selection of works by contemporary artists and designers: Damien Hirst, Howard Hodgkin, Zandra Rhodes, Sterling Ruby and Valentino. Iconic British designer and founder of the Fashion and Textile Museum, Dame Zandra Rhodes, will visit Aberdeen for a special ‘in conversation’ event with the exhibition curator, Dennis Nothdruft, at the Art Gallery on Thursday 6 March 2025.
Artist Textiles – Picasso to Warhol begins in the 1910s with the artists of Bloomsbury’s Omega Workshops – Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and Roger Fry – who wanted to change the “erroneous distinction between fine and applied art.” After the Second World War the movement to create “a masterpiece in every home” flowered with the involvement of leading contemporary artists including John Piper, Salvador Dalí and Ben Nicholson. Eventually, these art textiles were turned into commercial clothing: a Joan Miró dress, a Salvador Dalí tie. By the 1960s, Pablo Picasso was allowing his pictures to be printed on almost any fabric, save upholstery. The sofa was a line the artist would not cross, as the curators note: “Picassos may be leaned against, not sat on.”
Dennis Nothdruft, Head of Exhibitions at the Fashion and Textile Museum, London said: “The Fashion and Textile Museum is pleased to work with our colleagues at Aberdeen Art Gallery to bring Artist Textiles: Picasso to Warhol to this beautiful venue. We at the Museum are proud of our continued partnership with the Art Gallery and look forward to future projects and collaborations.
Artist Textiles is an important exhibition featuring a singular private collection that explores the interaction of fine art with applied art. The exhibition's iteration at Aberdeen Art Gallery will showcase exclusive additions by contemporary artist and designers, highlighting the continuation of cross-discipline dialogues.”
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson, said, “This fascinating survey of textiles reflecting major art movements such as Cubism, Surrealism and Pop Art promises visitors a visual feast. Aberdeen’s outstanding collection is a source of great pride for us in the city and many of the artists featured in this important exhibition are represented in Aberdeen’s outstanding collection. The Gallery team looks forward to welcoming visitors to this remarkable exhibition which shows how people were once able to enjoy and engage with modern art through their clothing and home furnishings.”
Notes to editors
1. Artist Textiles – Picasso to Warhol is on display at Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ from 23 November 2024 to 13 April 2025.
Open Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. For visiting information go to www.aagm.co.uk
General admission to Aberdeen Art Gallery is free of charge. Admission to the special exhibition Artist Textiles: £10 adults / £7 concessions and Friends of AAGM / £14 exhibition pass / children aged 12 and under free.
2. A special programme of associated events includes:
Curator-led tour with Dennis Nothdruft, Fashion and Textile Museum
Friday 14 February, 2pm (45mins) - free with exhibition entry
https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/whats-aberdeen-art-galleries-and-museums/artist-textiles-curator-led-tour
How to draw like a fashion designer with Dennis Nothdruft
Saturday 15 February, 2pm-4pm, £22 / £18 concessions
https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/whats-aberdeen-art-galleries-and-museums/artist-textiles-how-draw-fashion-designer
Dame Zandra Rhodes in conversation with Dennis Nothdruft
Thursday 6 March, 7pm-9pm, £24 / £20 concessions
https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/whats-aberdeen-art-galleries-and-museums/talk-dame-zandra-rhodes-conversation-dennis-nothdruft
Fashion Textiles talk by Celia Joicey Director of Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh
Saturday 29 March, 2pm-4pm, £10/£7 concessions
3. Artist Textiles – Picasso to Warhol is organised by the Fashion and Textile Museum, London. It is the only museum in the UK solely dedicated to showcasing developments in contemporary fashion, as well as providing inspiration, support and training for those working in the industry. Founded by iconic British designer Zandra Rhodes, the museum is part of Newham College London – one of Europe’s largest further education colleges.