For the new installment of the “Selects” series fashion designer Thom Browne explores ideas of reflection and individuality with a site-specific installation that includes more than 50 of the museum’s historic and contemporary mirrors and frames together with some of his personal items such as a desk, chair, typewriter and coat stand.
“When approaching this project and exhibition, I was drawn to the collection of mirrors and wanted to create an installation that played on the idea of reflection—giving the viewer the idea that his or her reflection is a work of art. My intent was also to play with the idea of uniformity and individuality,” Browne said.
Installation view of “Thom Browne Selects.” Photo by Matt Flynn © 2016 Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Installation view of “Thom Browne Selects.” Photo by Matt Flynn © 2016 Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Mirror. England, ca. 1760. Carved and gilt pine, mirrored glass. H x W x D: 182.9 x 109.2 x 17.8 cm (6 ft. x 43 in. x 7 in.). Bequest of Mary Hayward Weir, 1968-158-4.
Mirror. Northern Italy, ca. 1755. Carved mahogany and veneered mahogany, carved, gessoed and gilt pine; mirrored silvered glass. H x W x D: 103 x 53.5 x 9.5 cm (40 9/16 x 21 1/16 x 3 3/4 in.). Gift of Neil Sellin, 1967-87-6-a,b.
Mirror. Los Angeles, California, USA, ca. 1974. Designed and made by Jim Dine (American, b. 1935). Gilt wood and molded plaster, mirrored glass. H x W x D: 130 x 78.5 x 7.5 cm (51 3/16 x 30 7/8 x 2 15/16 in.). Gift of Thomas Ettinghausen in memory of Richard Ettinghausen, 1990-169-1.
Installation view of “Thom Browne Selects.” Photo by Matt Flynn © 2016 Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Pair of frames. France, ca. 1745. Cast and gilt bronze. H x W x D (a): 22 x 22 x 1.2 cm (8 11/16 x 8 11/16 x 1/2 in.). Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council, 1910-30-11-a,b.
Pair of mirrors. France, 19th century. Carved and gilt wood, mirrored glass. H x W x D (a): 70.5 x 52.5 x 8 cm (27 3/4 x 20 11/16 x 3 1/8 in.); H x W x D (b): 70 x 52.5 x 7 cm (27 9/16 x 20 11/16 x 2 3/4 in.). Bequest of Mary Hayward Weir, 1968-158-17-a,b.
Mirror. Venice, Italy, 17301760. Engraved and silvered glass; carved, gessoed, and gilded wood. H x W x D: 40 × 31.5 × 2.4 cm (15 3/4 × 12 3/8 × 15/16 in.). Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, 1915-16-8-b.
Mirror. Venice, Italy, 17301760. Engraved and silvered glass; carved, gessoed, and gilded wood. H x W x D: 39.5 × 32 × 2.2 cm (15 9/16 × 12 5/8 × 7/8 in.). Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, 1915-16-8-a.
Mirror. Probably Venice, Italy, mid- 17thearly 18th century. Engraved and silvered glass. H x W: 20.4 x 22 cm (8 1/16 x 8 11/16 in.). Gift of Eleanor Garnier Hewitt, 1907-18-4.
Installation view of “Thom Browne Selects.” Photo by Matt Flynn © 2016 Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Installation view of “Thom Browne Selects.” Photo by Matt Flynn © 2016 Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Installation view of “Thom Browne Selects.” Photo by Matt Flynn © 2016 Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Images courtesy Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum