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Harold Matossian graphic design work for Knoll

 Collection
Identifier: KA-0033-01

Abstract

In 1979, Harold Matossian (Parsons School of Design, 1968) became director of the Knoll furniture company's graphics department, producing invitations, brochures, stationery, catalogs and other corporate literature for the company until 1994. The Kellen Design Archives holds finished examples of these graphics.

Dates

  • 1971 - 1994
  • Majority of material found within 1981 - 1994

Creator

Extent

1.2 Cubic Feet (3 boxes, 3 oversize folders)

Language of Materials

English

Scope and Contents of Collection

The collection contains printed materials produced for Knoll during the 1980s and early 1990s by Knoll Graphics under the direction of Harold Matossian. Designers associated with Knoll Graphics during this period include Takaaki Matsumoto, Leslee Ladds, Whitney Lowe, Bernard Reynoso, Susan Schechter, and Steven Schnipper.

The collection includes materials created for internal company distribution, such as stationery, employee newsletters, corporate identity standards and guidelines, and invitations to office events. It also includes materials produced for wider audiences, such as a directory, catalogs and catalog inserts for the various divisions of Knoll (KnollOffice, KnollStudio, KnollExtra, KnollTextiles), brochures for Knoll products and events, and book-length publications.

Of note are internal publications produced to educate Knoll employees and associates about the company's corporate identity, including a 96-page spiralbound book, featuring histories of Knoll logotype and graphic design.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research use. Please contact archivist@newschool.edu for appointment.

Use Restrictions

To publish images of material from this collection, permission must be obtained in writing from the New School Archives. Please contact: archivist@newschool.edu.

Biographical and historical note

The Hans G. Knoll Furniture Company was founded in New York in 1938 and became known for its modernist furniture collections. In 1969, the company was re-named Knoll International. During the 1970s, Knoll was primarily associated with office furniture, which is reflected by materials in the Matossian collection. In 1990, Knoll International was re-named the Knoll Group by Westinghouse.

Harold Matossian graduated from Parsons School of Design in 1968. In 1979, he became director of Knoll's graphics department, Knoll Graphics, which produced invitations, brochures, stationery, catalogs and other corporate literature. Matossian served as art director until 1994.

Organization and Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by format.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Harold Matossian, 2001.

Related Materials

A copy of The Knoll Group Identity Guidelines is held by the New School Libraries.

Title
Guide to the Harold Matossian graphic design work for Knoll
Status
Completed
Author
New School Archives and Special Collections Staff
Date
January 26, 2010
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English