Karen Bulow (1899-1982) was born in Denmark and immigrated to Montreal in 1929. She began to sell handwoven goods such as scarves, bags and belts and quickly developed a following for her skill and design sensibilities. To keep up with the demand for her fabrics, she founded Canada Homespuns, said to be the first professional weaving studio in Canada. Her studio employed as many as 70 weavers, some women working on small items from home. In 1933 Bulow also established her own weaving school from her studio, instructing until 1949. Many of her students went on to work for her, and several became influential instructors themselves. Interior designers sought out her fine drapery and upholstery fabrics noted for the Scandinavian influence of Bulow’s aesthetic. She could work both on a small and large scale, was capable of rapidly thinking up designs for interior and commercial commissions, and creating one-of-a-kind wall hangings. Karen Bulow neckties became iconic Canadian items, selling in the thousands each year across the country. Eventually, Simpsons and Eatons stores as well as more prestigious design shops carried her products. Bulow received many significant commissions, including those for Trans-Canada Airlines, CN and CP railways and the Bank of Nova Scotia Headquarters in Montreal. In 1960 she sold Homespuns, which was renamed Karen Bulow Ltd. under the new ownership. In 1969 she was asked by the Government of Canada to participate in the development of the Pangnirtung weaving project. In 1976 she was awarded honorary membership in the Canadian Crafts Council and admitted to the RCA.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 21:07:34 +0000
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