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Sonia Delaunay at the Tate

— by Alyson Walsh

SoniaDelaunay-painting

Sonia Delaunay saved my jumper. Having seen the retrospective at Tate Modern a couple of weeks ago, I was mid-decluttering today when in a ‘What would Sonia do?’ moment, the orange and navy hounds tooth sweater jettisoned onto the charity pile, earlier, bounced its way back into my moth-proof box. More colour and pattern required. Ditch the sloppy grey sweater instead.

Sonia Delaunay with her textile designs

Sonia Delaunay with her textile designs

Seems I’m not the only one inspired by the Russian-born artist’s work; there’s a patchwork cover in the exhibition (made by Delaunay for her son when he was a few months old) that put me in mind of Tracey Emin’s quilts, and a couple of monochrome graphic prints that were pure Op-Art-era Bridget Riley. The room dedicated to fashion and textiles is fantastic. Sketches, scrolling fabrics and videos, as well as a fine selection of clothes, document the successful fashion business started by Delaunay in 1917. Some of the pieces are totally timeless, like this geometric coat designed for Gloria Swanson :

Sonia Delaunay, Gloria Swanson coat

sonia delaunay shoes

And these dancing shoes. Photo: Time Out

 

1927 photo via WGSN

1927 photo via WGSN

Whenever I see photos of 1920s swimwear, I try to imagine swimming in a heavy woollen one-piece…

Sonia Delaunay knitted bathing suit-105

Thank heavens for Speedo. The EY: Sonia Delaunay exhibition at the Tate is lovely – and it’s on until 9 August 2015.

PS Quick housekeeping update: the initial problems with my email sign up have been resolved now. All should be fine.

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Sonia Delaunay saved my jumper. Having seen the retrospective at Tate Modern a couple of weeks ago, I was mid-decluttering today when in a ‘What would Sonia do?