Ruth Adler Schnee
A living legend of modern design, Ruth Adler Schnee developed her esthetic
sensibilities as a young woman in Germany. Her friendship with Bauhaus artist
Paul Klee in the 1930’s was especially formative. Schnee refined her
ideas at the Rhode Island School of Design and the Cranbrook Academy. Her
genius was immediately recognized with a Citation of Merit from the American
Institute of Decorators in 1947 and 1948, the first two of a long list of
such awards from many quarters. Her work was featured in the classic Museum
of Modern Art exhibition "What Modern Was."
Ms. Adler Schnee’s esthetic sense was simultaneously witty and sophisticated.
The vibrant patterns were executed with an admirable economy of line and color.
This encapsulated the contemporary ideas of modernity superbly in a field
that included some of the most cherished classics of interior art. Yet, like
all the fabrics in the Archives Collection, these fabrics also transcend the
time of their own creation and can confidently be listed as classics. Their
cutting-edge effect lasted through time.
The Schnee designs included in the Unika Vaev Archives
Collection were based on print fabrics from this early period. Their re-edition
for the current contract market was a collaboration between Ms. Adler Schnee
and the Unika Vaev Design Studio, assuring their integrity for both authenticity
and performance.