Morphology and mythology of Leningrad textiles

Abstract

The article is devoted to the Leningrad artistic textiles, created in the 1960s–1990s. It is well known, that tapestry was actively developing during this period, however, this article discusses both original and industrial designs, which were represented by printed and shaft weaving fabrics, and textile haberdashery. Unique and industrial textiles have evolved with varying degrees of intensity, while fabrics and scarves remain the least explored area of design practice. In most cases, patterns for scarves had a souvenir design. The author gives data on the main industrial enterprises which produced them, points to the inseparable connection with the Leningrad school of textiles, which was based at the department of textiles at the Vera Mukhina Leningrad Higher School of Industrial Art. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the development of tapestry in the Leningrad school of textiles became possible after the opening of internships in Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Latvia. The experience of learning about modern European tapestry formed two main trends in Leningrad: traditional and relief-plastic. In each of them were created outstanding works. This article provides information about tapestries and curtains made in the Leningrad Decorative and Applied Arts Factory and Research Experimental Workshops. The scale and high quality of the works are noted, the prominent artists who worked by the «order of the state» (goszakaz) are listed.