Search

Art

Block Shop for DWR Is a Collaboration With Soul

11.10.21 | By
Block Shop for DWR Is a Collaboration With Soul

Two years in the making, modern design leader Design Within Reach and female-founded design studio Block Shop Textiles have released a collaboration – Block Shop for DWR. The exclusive collection of handcrafted textiles found its inspiration in Cirque Calder, the whimsical wire circus created by American sculptor Alexander Calder. Block Shop for DWR includes woodblock prints, hand blocked printed pillows, and knotted rugs, all featuring the recognizable work of Block Shop’s founders, sisters Hopie and Lily Stockman, and their creative team.

two cream and black patterned pillows on white background

Metronome Pillow

Known for being passionate art historians and textile researchers, the Los Angeles-based studio pulls from Art Deco carpets, Mughal architecture, and Russian constructivist for their designs. The woodblock prints in the collection are handcrafted by skilled artisans who use centuries old block printing techniques, and art accompanied by a maple shadowbox frame.

two blue patterned pillows on white background

Metronome Pillow

Each piece is designed using a zero-waste production process in Jaipur, India, where Block Shop works with small scale, family run manufacturers. There they promote fair wages and work opportunities for women, as well as invest 5% of profits to provide community healthcare. The pillow designs are meant to inspire comfort, levity, and optimism within a space. Made of Belgian linen and printed with natural dyes, the designers describe them as “handmade art objects with function.” Lastly, Block Shop for DWR’s looped wool rugs are handwoven in small batches by local artisans, making each one completely unique.

two goldenrod and pink patterned pillows on white background

Metronome Pillow

two cream and black patterned pillows on white background

Pyramid Pillow

detail of cream and black patterned pillow on white background

two cream and black patterned pillows on white background

Stripe Dot Pillow

two rust and black patterned pillows on white background

Stripe Dot Pillow

framed geometric artwork on white background

Upright Serpentine

framed geometric artwork on white background

Sideways Serpentine

framed geometric artwork on white background

Reverse Serpentine

framed geometric artwork on white background

Cirque

framed geometric artwork on white background

Match Point

corner of light blue rug on wood floor

Metronome Rug

corner of pastel rug on wood floor

corner of cream rug on wood floor

Metronome Rug

Dot Dash Rug

pastel rug on white background

Dot Dash Rug

jade rug with monochrome design on white background

Metronome Rug

To learn more about Block Shop for DWR, visit dwr.com/brands-block-shop.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.