ICON POP

The first exhibition dedicated to Andy Warhol’s littleknown textile designs comes to the Fashion and Textile Museum

By EVE HERBERT

Leading figure of the Pop Art movement, Andy Warhol’s career began in commercial and advertising art during the 1950s and early 1960s. He’s known for his pioneering cultural spirit, his unusual approach and his fabulous friends as well as his prolific talent – but he’s little-known as a textile designer.

Geoff Rayner and Richard Chamberlain from the Target Gallery have been developing the concept of an exhibition and book of textiles by Warhol for over a decade. The say: “While working with the Fashion and Textile Museum for the Artist Textiles: Picasso to Warhol exhibition in 2014, we discovered Warhol’s roots also in textile design. After years of research, several chance encounters and strokes of luck we are finally very happy and excited to present Andy Warhol: The Textiles."

The exhibition will take its visitors on a journey through the unknown and unrecorded world of designs by the influential artist before his Silver Factory days. Presenting an exciting exploration into the depths of these designs, the exhibition will showcase how such work helped develop his ability as an artist and would become coveted by collectors on a global scale.

Warhol's early works included his iconic Campbell's Soup Cans, which became emblematic of the pop art movement's fascination with mass-produced consumer culture. His artistic style incorporated a range of mediums, including painting, printmaking, sculpture and film. His works often featured bright, bold colors and images drawn from popular culture, including celebrities, consumer products, and advertisements. He was known for his use of repetition and for elevating everyday objects to the level of fine art.

The exhibition includes over 35 of Warhol’s textile patterns from the period, depicting an array of colourful objects; ice cream sundaes, delicious toffee apples, colourful buttons, cut lemons, pretzels and jumping clowns will be exhibited both on fabric lengths, some in multiple colourways, and on garments. Many of the most important manufacturers in American textile history will also be represented such as Stehli Silks, Fuller Fabrics Inc., and M Lowenstein and Sons.

Andy Warhol: The Textiles is at the Fashion and Textile Museum until 10 September 2023.

An enchanting openair show for children and adults alike

Life is turned upside down for Alice, so join her as she tumbles down the rabbit hole and lands in the magical world of “Wonderland”.

22 July – 28 August visit theatreonkew.co.uk

Fri 14th

Sat 15th

Sun 16th featuring GILSON LAVIS with special guests PAULINE BLACK and ARTHUR ‘Gaps’ HENDRICKSON from THE SELECTER and guest vocalists RUBY TURNER, LOUISE MARSHALL & SUMUDU

– 16 July 2023