09-008.
Found on March 27, 2009 in Champaign, IL.
Vera Neumann
Scarves
The Vera Companies
USA, c. 1955-1975
Various dimensions
Rayon, polyester, silk, etc.
Facsimile signature
Just because I haven't been posting any Vera scarf finds lately doesn't necessarily mean we haven't been finding any. In fact we came home with four from our trip to Minneapolis last weekend, found another at an antique show the weekend before ... and the list goes on (you can see our full collection over on Flickr in my Vera Scarves set). I wasn't really even planning on posting these three we found this morning at an estate sale. That was, I wasn't until I took a closer look at the little black and white number Kate pulled from the bottom of the scarf bin.
At first glance, it's a simple monochrome abstract: seemingly par for the course as far as Vera's scarf designs go. But it's an early design as indicated by the signature, and is made of silk ... although that wasn't the catalyst for this little essay either. What really caught my attention is the fact that this isn't just a black and white abstract. It is a black and white abstract made up of hundreds of little matchsticks. I'm fairly sure I've seen this pattern somewhere before, but it has easily won the spot of "#1 favorite" with me for the moment. It's a great visual from afar, but up close that visual is created by a common household object. Clever. Sophisticated. And very Vera.
Scott commented: Thanks! I too am awestruck at the sheer quantity of designs there seem to be out there. We've collected over 100, and the closest we've gotten to duplicates are a couple of the same pattern but in different colors and finishes. I'd have to guess there are well over a thousand patterns with the amount I've seen out there on the 'net. I think a comprehensive publication of all the scarf patterns Vera designed would be fantastic ... but nearly impossible to finish. Maybe Kate and I will some day try to tackle that one, but we have a long way to go with building our collection first.
- 3.31.09
- Website
S- commented: Have you seen these prices for New VERA ?? A good thing that I like the vintage scarves!!
https://www.theveracompany.com/Cart1.php
- 4.2.09
- Website
Scott commented: I have, and it screams a little bit of profiteering, in my opinion. I know Vera is popular ... but those prices are a bit insane. Vintage examples are easily found for just a few dollars if you care to look a little bit for them. I think we'll stick with the thrift store route for vintage scarves.
- 4.2.09
- Website
S- commented: LOVE your Flickr VERA file!! I am soo amazed - with all that you have, and all that I have acquired - no duplicates between our collections! Just how many did she design???