Alexander Girard Wooden Dolls

Alexander Girard (1907-1993) cultivated a deep interest in the folk art of South America, Eastern Europe and Asia, and drew inspiration from traditional handcrafted artefacts for his work. Girard's immense collection of folk art, which he assembled over several decades, is now the main attraction at the famous Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Girard made his home during the later decades of his life.

The Wooden Dolls, designed and made by Girard in 1963 for his own house in Santa Fe, were also inspired by his collection of folk art. At the same time, they reflect his long-time interest in traditional toys, of which he remarked: "Toys represent a microcosm of man’s world and dreams; they exhibit fantasy, imagination, humour and love. They are an invaluable record and expression of man’s ingenious unsophisticated imagination."

The painted surfaces of these semi-abstract, sculptural figures show aesthetic elements from Central America as well as Eastern Europe and Italy. Part decorative object and part toy, this mixed group of figures, some cheerful and others stern, is now being introduced in a special edition series based on documents and originals in the Alexander Girard Archive of the Vitra Design Museum. – Vitra Product Sheet, [Via: Dwell Magazine]