eBay

SOLD AS A LOT ONLY

NO INQUIRIES ABOUT SPLITTING UP THE SET

You will not get a better deal on this incredible set, so don't miss this opportunity.

For your consideration is a set of fifteen (15) original vintage ALEXANDER GIRARD artifacts

Extremely rare and highly collectible lot of items from Herman Miller, featuring one of their most prolific and lauded designer-artists, ALEXANDER GIRARD (1907-1993) whose fabrics were the upholstery used in Eames chairs manufactured by Herman Miller.

You will receive the following:

1. Black-and-White Herman Miller Fabrics "Millcheklet" swatch with label still attached

2. Official Herman Miller Press Release from May 22, 1961 highlighting the upholstery textiles from HM's 1961 Collection. Designed by Alexander Girard and introduced at the opening of the TEXTILES & OBJECTS shop in New York City on May 22, 1961. All the specs are on this page. This is a truly amazing piece of Girard memorabilia.

3. Black-and-White Press Release Glossy Photograph of Girard's 4 newly-released designs. Stamped on the back of the photo are Girard's name as designer, Herman Miller as manufacturer, and the public relations contact of HM with her Los Angeles address. An amazing collectible you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. These ephemera are especially difficult to find, especially intact and in such great condition.

4. Full-color Herman Miller Textiles & Objects Magazine Ad touting the T&O store on E. 53rd St in NY

5. Full-color Herman Miller ad featuring the collection of fabrics and wallpapers by Alexander Girard.

6. "Armadillo" large fabric piece with original Herman Miller Fabrics label tag attached.

Dimensions in inches: 22" x 22"

Gorgeous design, super rare. Aptly named "Armadillo" as it has a ridged banded texture.

7. "Millozenge" Crimson dark and Turquoise dark dark with label

8. "Millozenge" Crimson dark and Sienna light with label

9. "Millozenge" Venetian Red and Grey Blue with label

10. "Millozenge" Sienna dark dark and Sepia light

11. "Millozenge" Crimson dark and Olive Green dark

12. "Millozenge" Venetian Red and Ochre light

13. "Millozenge" Terre Verte dark dark and Venetian Red light

14. "Maypole" Multi-Color Stripe with label (note that a corner of the swatch has been clipped, which is how it was acquired).

15. T&O Tiger Toy. The T&O (Textiles & Objects) Store was ahead of its time, a place where Girard fostered his interests and invited collaborations with fellow Herman Miller designers, Charles Eames and George Nelson, with whom he designed furniture for Herman Miller.

Attributed to Alexander Girard, this is an extremely rare (and, likely, a one-of-a-kind piece) collectible from Girard's short-lived, but highly regarded, New York City store. The T&O was Girard's baby. Although it was only open for less than two years, it was the precursor to today's specialty pop-up shops. The T&O featured art, furniture, and design artifacts created and curated by Girard.

Approx. measurements in inches: 9" (including drop from the string and ball) x 7.25" x 1.5"

If you tug on the red ball, the tiger lifts its head and tail (see video demonstration). When viewed from the top, you can make out the letter "H" (which may stand for Herman Miller, or part of an alphabet collection, since Girard was quite of fond of that). Very cute and whimsical, befitting the creative spirit of Girard, whose design aesthetic was often imbued with playful, childlike motifs that frequently incorporated animals. See last photo for examples of other Alexander Girard toys that are similar to this one.

Overall great vintage condition with no integral damage. No mechanical issues when you pull on the red ball. Everything seems to be functioning as it should.

Ideal for the Girard enthusiast, especially the seasoned collector who has everything.

Very few of these T&O artifacts have remained intact today, so don't miss this opportunity.

While most of the items in the T&O were created and designed by Girard, some items were selected by Girard and his wife from their travels to Mexico, Italy, and Turkey, to name a few. As with many other Girard designed items from that era, he didn't sign the toys, dolls, or chairs (in fact, his printed signature can only be found on the selvage of select fabrics and textiles created by Herman Miller, as well as La Fonda del Sol pieces from Mayer China), so we can't ascertain if this was one of the objects acquired by him from his travels or something that he created himself. This piece originated from the T&O Store and has been attributed to Girard, and given what we know of Girard from decades of collecting, this appears to be designed by him. It is also just like his other wooden toys (see last photo for similar examples). In any case, please examine all photos to make your own determination.

Selling at well below appraised value for a limited time, so don't miss this opportunity.

One-of-a-kind Alexander Girard collector's set is truly exceptional, with many of these items virtually impossible to find these days, especially with the original HERMAN MILLER TEXTILES labels intact and attached, so don't miss this unique opportunity to get such an amazing set.

Ideal for the Girard enthusiast and collector. Any of these pieces would look great framed.

Once again, this is sold as a set only, so please, no inquiries about splitting up the set or purchasing individually.

Final sale, no refunds, exchanges, or cancelations.

Shipping notes:

Shipping rates include postage, tracking, packaging, and insurance.

Domestic US: Insurance of $999 is included with standard, while full insurance is included with expedited.

A signature is required for delivery.

International buyers are welcome but are responsible for any customs/duties that may be levied by their country, which are not included in the shipping rates and are typically based on insured value. The USPS international rate includes $100 insurance coverage, while the FedEx rate includes full insurance. We're not liable for any loss, damage, delays, etc, so bear that in mind when selecting shipping method.

Thanks for looking!