The exhibit, which runs April 17 through July 20, 2008 is described on MAM's website as such:
It is easy to look back over the
twentieth century and witness the rise and fall of particular styles of
interior decoration. However, in placing ourselves in the shoes of
those Milwaukeeans in 1907, we are able to see how the revolutionary
interior designs of George Mann Niedecken must have appeared shocking,
strange, and yet, intriguing. As outside of the norm as some of his
creations appeared, Niedecken, who is often defined by his work with
Frank Lloyd Wright, was able to garner a substantial list of clients
from Milwaukee's upper social strata.
This retrospective of his works explores his commissions in the greater
Milwaukee area as developed relative to the space, the client, and the
designer himself. Having attended school in Europe during a pivotal
period in the International Design movement, Niedecken brought a breath
of fresh European air to Milwaukee's stagnant interiors. He was able to
bring back to Milwaukee those tools that he explored while on the
Continent and to interpret them for eager clients wanting the new and,
in many cases, the avant-garde.
The other exciting aspect to this exhibit is the release of an updated edition of the seminal catalog on Niedecken's work, The Domestic Scene (1897-1927): George M. Niedecken, Interior Architect, which was formally out of print.
Check of the link for more details on this exciting exhibit and start planning your trip. See you there!
Image copyright MAM
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