Jack Lenor Larsen

United States, b. 1927

Place of BirthSeattle, Washington, United States

BiographyJack Lenor Larsen is an innovator in textile design and technologies. After studying architecture and furniture design, he received an M.F.A. from the Cranbrook Academy. Having established his own studio in 1951, he designed fabrics in New York for several architects, including the iconic Lever House. Larsen was known for designing mass-produced textiles that appeared as if they were handmade, recognizing the importance of the craft aesthetic. In addition to creating fabrics, Larsen worked on furniture and tableware designs as well. He is noted for designing the first fabrics created for jet airplanes, the first diagonal stripe weave, the first printing on velvet in the U.S., and the first stretch upholstery fabric.