Antiques & Collectibles

A Tale of Warp and Weft: Fort Street Studio

This illustrated book tells the story of artists Brad Davis and Janis Provisor and their discovery of the ancient practice of carpet weaving in China.

This book provides a fascinating look at the intricate transformation of a watercolor painting to a beautiful silk carpet, examining the step-by-step process that led to a revolutionary "painterly" style in modern carpet design and manufacture.

This volume offers beautifully photographed and printed views of these sumptuous carpets in rooms designed by some of the world's leading interior designers. The carpets have been collected by luminaries in the design, fashion, and art worlds including curators Mark Rosenthal and Allan Schwartzman, Joseph Ettedgui, founder of the Joseph brand, Pierre Alexis-Dumas, creative director of Hermès, and celebrities such as Steve Martin, Madonna, and Brad Pitt, among others.

Experience the highs and humorous lows of Davis and Provisor's adventures in Asia as they track down the best in materials and craftsmanship, as well as the most authentic cuisine in each region.

About The Author

Brad Davis studied at St. Olaf College, the University of Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the University of Minnesota. Janis Provisor studied at the San Francisco Art Institute. Michael Boodro is an adviser to the Design Leadership Network and hosts The Chairish Podcast. He was editor in chief of Elle Decor, editor of Martha Stewart Living, Culture and Travel, and Garden Design, and features editor of Vogue. Mark Pollack is a textile designer, former associate professor at the Moore College of Art and Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, and founder of Pollack & Associates, a renowed consultant to the interior-furnishings industry and to many museum collections. Pilar Viladas is a journalist and writer, former design editor of T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Progressive Architecture, and House & Garden magazines. She has written three books on interiors.

  • Publish Date: April 13, 2021
  • Format: Hardcover
  • Category: Antiques & Collectibles - Rugs
  • Publisher: Rizzoli
  • Trim Size: 9-4/9 x 12-1/5
  • Pages: 288
  • US Price: $75.00
  • CDN Price: $100.00
  • ISBN: 978-88-918296-2-7

Reviews

"The fascinating story of Brad Davis and Janis Provisor’s creative journey could fill a book, and now the duo has done just that with the release of a new monograph. The two accomplished artists stumbled into the world of rug making when, on a yearlong stint in China, they attempted to make a silk rug for their New York loft. That undertaking evolved into a wide-ranging exploration into the previously untapped possibilities of rug weaving. Their discoveries in the realm of digital technology ultimately enabled weavers to produce carpet designs previously never thought possible. The beautiful results, reminiscent of original watercolors, and the couple’s revolutionary process serve as a reminder to fellow creatives: Never stop experimenting." —ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST

"Artists and designers Brad Davis and Janis Provisor celebrate the 25th anniversary of their innovative partnership in A Tale of Warp and Weft." —ELLE DECOR

"Launched in the mid-1990s, Fort Street Studio helped redefine the rug industry by introducing more free-flowing forms, at the time a dramatic departure from the traditional patterns and shapes. Today, their unique creations can be found in remarkable interiors conceived by such designers as Francis Sultana, Christian Lyon, and Jacques Grange as well as in a comprehensive new monograph The Tale of Warp and Weft (Rizzoli)." —GALERIE MAGAZINE

Author Bookshelf: Pilar Viladas

Author Bookshelf: Michael Boodro