Close up of "Les Tortues," circa 1912, designed by Raoul Dufy
One of the world's leading collectors of Indian and South Asian artworks and objects, William K. Ehrenfeld, professor emeritus of vascular surgery at UCSF, has donated an extraordinary collection of textile designs to UCSF.
Dating from the first half of the 20th Century, the artworks are original watercolors and gouaches used in the manufacturing of textiles including rugs, wall coverings, scarves, and decorative fabrics for clothing and furniture by the silk weaving house of Bianchini Ferier.
Thirty works were recently hung in two major corridors on the second floor of the Laurel Heights building, as recommended by the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Art, Honors and Recognition.
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| William Ehrenfeld |
The Atelier of Bianchini Ferier opened their doors in Lyon, France in 1888 and throughout the 20th Century continued to produce highly sought after designs and fabrics. Its reputation was enhanced in 1912, with the appointment of the artist, Raoul Dufy (1877 - 1953) as chief designer. Dufy remained with the firm for 15 years producing more than 4,000 designs. Known for his paintings of regattas, racecourses, and landscapes in brilliant colors, Dufy's designs for textile were based on the natural world of flowers and animals where the real mingles with the imaginary.
Two works that are known Dufys are "Les Tortues" and the work with butterflies that is directly outside the offices of the Institute for Global Health Sciences.
Originally attracted to the arts, as a young man he studied at the Art Students League of New York. He then went on to study at Dartmouth College, before later training as a physician. Once qualified, Ehrenfeld channeled his own artistic leanings into the collecting of art.
The international travel required by his role as a vascular surgeon presented the ideal opportunity to acquire works for his collections.
Ehrenfeld also recently donated more than 700 paintings, drawings, prints and photographs from South Asia's colonial period to the Asian Art Museum.
Source: Lisa Cisneros
