Alongside Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard was one of the decisive figures in post-war American design. The focus of his broad oeuvre was on textile design, and a key source of inspiration for him was the popular art of South America, Asia and East Europe. The Wooden Dolls, which Girard created for his own home in Santa Fe and made himself, are likewise inspired by his own extensive collection of works of popular art, acting both as a toy and a decoration.
Designer Alexander Girard was born to an American mother and an Italian father in 1907 in New York City. Along with his close friends and contemporaries George Nelson and Charles & Ray Eames, Girard was one of the leading figures of postwar American modern design.
Textile design was the main focus of his wide-ranging design career which also encompassed architecture, interior design, furniture design and industrial design. Perhaps his most iconic designs are his collection of hand-painted Wooden Dolls with are now produced under licence by Vitra.
