Designer/Maker:
Barney Reid - took his masters thesis in lithography at the
State University of Iowa. Reid moved to San Diego about 1950, after
teaching at ASU from 1946-49, and went into business selling screen-printed
fabrics. Renowned for his enamel work, he was a consummate craftsman,
and worked in metal, clay, wood, marble and other media. A member
of the Allied Craftsmen and the San Diego Art Guild, Reid was employed
as a graphic designer by the U. S. Navy. From the late 70's until
his demise, he worked in printmaking almost exclusively.
Description:
One of Reid's most celebrated prints, "fisherman,"
this large example in brown and black is hand printed on heavy tan
fabric. It was produced during the brief period when Reid had just
moved to San Diego and was enjoying success with his new screen printed
fabric business based in the old Convair plant on Pacific Coast Highway.
About this endeavor Reid has said: “…I was pretty proud
of that. We put out yardage and table linen. Our work was in all the
class places - Gump's in San Francisco was a good customer, Armin
Richter in La Jolla, Bullock's Wilshire, The Broadway in Honolulu.
We even were in specialty shops in Florida and Cuba.” Reid's
business was abruptly terminated with the loss of his lease at Convair
during the Korean War. In this short time during the early 1950's,
Barney created many fascinating textile designs and it is rare to
find any of these brilliant examples. This fabric came from the estate
of Barney and Sue Reid and has been folded up, away from any light
damage for more than 50 years!
