We approach the sourcing of 1970s-era designs with a methodical rigor, driven by a commitment to authenticity and precision. Our process begins with a focus on mills that were active during the period, ensuring that the materials we acquire are rooted in the era’s specific techniques and materials. We engage with these mills directly, verifying their historical production methods and the integrity of their archives. Our goal is to identify those that retain original machinery, documentation, or samples that confirm their role in the 1970s design landscape. This step is critical: the tactile and structural characteristics of the materials are as important as their visual language.
We trace our partnerships to mills that operated during the 1970s, prioritizing those with a documented history of producing the specific types of materials we seek. These mills are often located in regions with a legacy of textile production, where the craftsmanship and technological capabilities of the era remain embedded in their processes. We conduct extensive research to identify mills that have preserved their original looms, dyes, or finishing techniques. When possible, we visit these mills to inspect their archives, ensuring that the materials we acquire are not reproductions but remnants of the original production. This hands-on verification is essential to maintaining the era’s distinct character.
Our next step involves the acquisition of trade-only catalogs from the 1970s, which were distributed exclusively to professionals in the design and construction industries. These catalogs are a crucial resource, as they often contain designs that were never made available to the general public. We seek out these catalogs through networks of collectors, vintage dealers, and industry insiders, ensuring that our sources are credible and that the materials are not mass-produced replicas. The catalogs themselves are evaluated for their completeness, including details such as material specifications, color codes, and production notes. These documents provide the context necessary to understand the original intent behind each design.
Once we have acquired materials, we apply a set of stringent criteria to determine which designs are included in our collection. These criteria include the substrate—whether the material is paper, vinyl, or another medium—and