Lace in Translation

Welcome to Lace in Translation, an exploration by three contemporary international art/design studios, whose works are often inspired by traditional lace imagery.

These European and Canadian art/design teams explored the historic Quaker Lace Company collection of The Design Center at Philadelphia University for inspiration, and were commissioned to create new, site-specific works for installation in the Center’s galleries and on its adjoining grounds. The exhibition runs September 24, 2009 – April 3, 2010.

Meet the Designers

Demakersvan

Commissioned Design Studio

Working out of Rotterdam, Demakersvan (“the makers of”) is a Dutch design house founded in 2005 by Jeroen Johan Verhoeven, Joep Verhoeven and Judith de Graauw. Its work is not limited to one category or style. Rather, this firm’s diversified portfolio includes architecture, furniture and product design for museums, architectural studios, furniture manufacturers and fashion companies, as well as self-generated projects.

Dutch design is world renowned for its conceptual, almost art-like products. Though Demakersvan often operates like an haute couture fashion house, designing inspirational single works, it also strongly believes that, in the end, the work must be made available to a larger audience.

More about Demakersvan

Cal Lane

Commissioned Artist

Cal Lane is an internationally acclaimed sculptor having won prestigious awards, media accolades and extensive curatorial attention over the past decade. She was the subject of a full-length New York Times article in December 2007 – one among many other articles that ran in publications such as: Art Forum International, American Craft Magazine, The Village Voice and The New Yorker, to name a few. This past year, Lane’s work has been mounted in seven exhibitions including the show at New York’s Museum of Art and Design, Lace and Subversive Knitting. Lane was recently awarded the Joseph S. Stauffer Prize and the Canadian Council for the Arts award.

More about Cal Lane

Tord Boontje

Commissioned Designer

Tord Boontje was born in The Netherlands. He studied industrial design at the Design Academy in Eindhoven from 1986 to 1991 and received a Masters degree from the Royal College of Art, London (1994). In 2005, Boontje moved from London to Bourg-Argental, France, where Studio Tord Boontje is now located.

Boontje’s design philosophy is based on “a belief that modernism does not mean minimalism, that contemporary does not forsake tradition, and that technology does not abandon people and senses… Although the use of technologies and material properties is never celebrated, and is always subsumed within the final product, there is nonetheless a conscious insistence that the Studio’s work employ the latest production and material technologies in pursuit of its vision”.

More about Tord Boontje

News & Events

Posted January 12, 2010

Lace in Translation on 6 ABC

Lace in Translation was featured in a "6 ABC Loves the Arts" segment, highlighting the exhibition's innovative work and its connection to... More

Posted November 13, 2009

the Philadelphia Inquirer features Lace in Translation

Did you see us in the Philadelphia Inquirer? Eils Lotozo explores Philadelphia's rich tradition in lace-making and its modern... More

Posted November 12, 2009

The Art of Lace-Making

On Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 13, 14, and15, the Liberty Lacers, with special guest, bobbin lace-maker Holly Van Sciver,... More

All News & Events

Your Translations

Do you make lace, crochet, cross-stitch, knit, tat, embroider, quilt, or create handmade work using techniques like these? We invite you to visit the page created just for you to share your creations.

Submitted January 26, 2010 by

kristikohut

Oh! The places I've been.

Acrylic, embroidery thread and glass beads on canvas. 48 X 72 inches Kristi Kohut is a mixed-media artist who uses commercially... More

Submitted January 26, 2010 by

kristikohut

It's a small world...after all

Acrylic and cut canvas on canvas. 40 x 90 inches. Rose window lace from various churches, denominations and architecture around the world.... More