On Weaving: New Expanded Edition, Anni Albers

On Weaving stands as a seminal work in textile literature, offering a profound exploration of the art and philosophy of weaving. First published in 1965, this expanded edition brings Albers’ insights into the 21st century, featuring full-color illustrations that illuminate her meticulous observations and experiments. Albers delves into the interplay between material and form, emphasizing the tactile nature of weaving and its capacity to convey meaning beyond mere function. Through a series of essays, she examines the historical context of weaving, its cultural significance, and its potential as a medium for artistic expression. Her work bridges the gap between craft and fine art, advocating for a renewed appreciation of handwoven textiles in a world increasingly dominated by industrial production.

“The chief argument of the book—that the hand-made and mechanically reproduced can happily co-exist—is told visually as well as verbally. . . . [Anni Albers] emerges from the new On Weaving as both a historical figure and a living one.”—Charles Darwent, Burlington Magazine

“It is over 50 years since On Weaving was first published in 1965, but in this new edition it is as fresh and inspiring as ever. Indeed, the colour plates alone . . . could furnish hours of contemplation.”—Cally Brooker, Journal of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers

“This new edition of On Weaving [is] achingly timely. In an age in which millennials are desperately searching for ‘mindfulness’ to counter the relentless, bleak news cycle, downloading breathing apps to their phones, and seeking peace in coloring books and knitting, Albers’s celebration of weaving, which forces the weaver to practice a patient and rhythmic meditation, sings to a new generation. . . . The transcultural modernist values and designs of both Anni and Josef Albers still seem fresh and vibrant. . . . By bringing their works to new audiences, making explicit their wide-ranging inspirations, and highlighting the historicity of their seemingly abstract forms [recent exhibitions] and the republication of On Weaving ensure that the Alberses’ legacies will continue to resonate.”—Sophie Pitman, West 86th: A Journal of Decorative Arts, Design, History, and Material Culture

“On Weaving is a book that one reads again and again for the insightful logic about the meaning of art, and the reasons and methods governing the creation of good design. Anni Albers is perhaps more relevant today than she was during her lifetime.”—Virginia Gardner Troy, author of Anni Albers and Ancient American Textiles: From Bauhaus to Black Mountain

About the Author
Anni Albers (1899–1994) was a pioneering figure in the field of textile arts, renowned for her innovative approach to weaving and her ability to merge artistic expression with functional design. A former student at the Bauhaus, Albers brought a modernist sensibility to traditional textile techniques, creating works that are both aesthetically compelling and intellectually rigorous. Her influence extends beyond her own creations; through her teaching and writing, she has inspired generations of artists and designers to explore the rich possibilities of woven materials.

Publication date: 2017
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Pages: 272
ISBN: 9780691177854