Curvo Pattern Upholstery Fabric Samples c. 20th century

Curator: This is an upholstery fabric sample by Otti Berger titled, "Curvo Pattern," residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It strikes me as quite tactile, almost bristly, despite the predominantly soft texture. Editor: As a sample, it speaks to the industrialization of design and how artists engage with mass production to shape public taste and consumer culture. Berger worked at the Bauhaus, an institution deeply invested in that relationship. Curator: Absolutely. The grid structure resulting from the warp and weft is fascinating. You can really see the labor involved in its making. What would a piece of furniture upholstered with this have meant for the user? Editor: It's intriguing. The red color, while bold, feels quite domestic, maybe even tied to specific design movements that emphasized comfort and accessibility in the interwar period. The textile's provenance adds to the narrative, doesn't it? Curator: It does. Thinking of Bauhaus weaving workshops, where experimentation with material and structure was so vital, really changes how I see this object. It is more than just a piece of fabric. Editor: Agreed. It represents a specific moment in design history and the interplay between art, industry, and the home. It gives us a glimpse into how design shapes social and cultural landscapes.