This is a list of designers whose patterns you will find in the Bassett and Vollum catalogues. Many of the persons on this list were independent designers who sold their patterns to Bassett and Vollum. As we delve into the archives and re-introduce patterns, names will be added to this list.
Dorothy Allen – designed the pattern “Ross House Damask.”
IVAN BARTLETT (1908-1976) – He studied art at the Chouinard Art School. Bartlett best known as a textile designer (towels, tablecloths) and also paintings and lithographs. He designed several borders for Bassett and Vollum, Drapery Frieze among others.
ELOI BORDELON (1925-1984) – Bordelon who was from Marksville, LA was an interior decorator in New York City. He had an international reputation as a noted designer and trompe l’oeil painter. He was friends with Tennessee Williams. For Bassett and Vollum he designed a sidewall “Medal of Honor”
KENNETH BROZEN (1927-1989) – Born in London moved to the U.S. in 1938, he was a graduate of the University of Illinois, Always self employed as a designer and the first to design many household objects using Lucite and Plexiglas. For Bassett and Vollum he designed a sidewall “Crewel Work”
EDGAR MILLER (1899-1993) – He attended the Chicago Art Institute, and was a designer, painter, wood carver and was one of the nations’ formost stain-glass designers. For Bassett and Vollum, he designed the “Tower Court Collection” which includes 10 very interesting patterns.
MARION DORN (1896-1964) – She was known primarily as a textile designer, but she also designed wallpaper, graphics and produced illustrations. She designed “Zodiac” a sidewall for Bassett and Vollum.
Henry G. Jakobe, Sr. – an artist on staff at Bassett and Vollum, who also designed several patterns.
ARDITH LAUERMAN (1917-1999) – A graduate of the Chicago Art Institute, Mrs. Lauerman designed two very important patterns for Bassett and Vollum, “Elm Garden” a sidewall, and “Toyland and Drum” a border.
We have several other patterns that will be introduced in the future.
John Loges – very limited information, but he did design the ever popular “Sunburst” based on an old French design. We also have several other patterns by him.
Ramon McLaughlin – no information to be found.He designed a very interesting pattern “Balustrades.”
Duane Timm – present owner of Bassett and Vollum. Mr. Timm is a graduate of Iowa State University. Sunflowers for Jeannie plus other patterns to be featured.
Janice Hart White – well known artist and craftswoman who lived her life in Denver, CO.
We have patterns, usually just one each, that were designed, but no information on that particular designer. Jean Hogue, Jon Raedeker, Piercy and Scott Wilson are examples of designers with no information.
They may have been Chicago artists or from elsewhere that sold a pattern to Bassett & Vollum. Perhaps they worked in the graphic department at Bassett & Vollum? We hope someday to find out more about these designers.