Forever Yoors

At age 12, Jan Yoors ran off with a band of gypsies, an experience he later wrote a book about. In between, he trained as a sculptor, then became fascinated by tapestries and looms.

Annie Block -- Interior Design, 1/1/2012 2:00:00 AM

Mid-century textile designer Jan Yoors wove himself quite a life. At age 12, he ran off with a band of gypsies, an experience he later wrote a book about. In between, he trained as a sculptor, then became fascinated by tapestries and looms. He shared that fascination with both his wives, Anna¬bert and Marianne-with whom he also shared living quarters simultaneously. The trio raised their three children and built a loom together, producing simple patterns in exciting colors. Modernists, among them Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, became fans.

New York's ReGeneration now has four Yoors tapestries and several of his gouaches and charcoals on display. On February 16, Marianne Yoors will be joined for a discussion of her late husband's legacy by their equally talented son, Kore, who shows his paintings at BDDW.

See a video on Jan Yoors here.