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Swid Powell Jewelry & Watches

The New York City–based tableware company Swid Powell produced some of the most distinctive china and silver of the 1980s in collaboration with international architects and designers. It enjoyed renewed attention in 2007, when the Yale University Art Gallery mounted the exhibition “The Architect’s Table: Swid Powell and Postmodern Design,” celebrating the donation to its collection of the company’s papers.

Swid Powell was established in 1982 by Nan Swid and Addie Powell, who met while working at the modernist furniture company Knoll. Their idea was to translate the aesthetics of postmodern design from the skyscraper to the dining table, and they brought into their preliminary discussions nine prominent architects. Among these were Philip Johnson, Stanley Tigerman and Richard Meier, all of whom expressed enthusiasm about making their designs accessible beyond the small group with the funds to commission buildings from them.

The first Swid Powell collection was launched in 1984, accompanied by a bold, graphic print campaign in keeping with the era’s advertising trends. The company’s best-known collaboration was with Robert Venturi’s Philadelphia-based firm, Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, whose patterns — particularly the floral design Grandmother inspired by a tablecloth Venturi saw at the home of a colleague's grandmother — adorned Swid Powell porcelain as well as furniture and clothing.

The firm also partnered with architect Richard Meier, whose geometric designs were inspired in part by those of Josef Hoffmann and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Swid Powell also worked with Arata Isosaki, Ettore Sottsass, Zaha Hadid and George Sowden, creating products that incorporated the bright, saturated colors and popular and historical references, like Classical columns, that animated postmodern design in the 1980s. The Chicago Blue china pattern designed for Swid Powell by the firm Gwathmey Siegel references the distinctive patterns of Frank Lloyd Wright’s leaded glass windows. As you will see in the examples below, Swid Powell continued to produce fine, fashionable homewares throughout the decade and beyond.

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Creator: Swid Powell
Postmodern Silver-Plated 'Cross Bowl' by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
Postmodern Silver-Plated 'Cross Bowl' by Richard Meier for Swid Powell

Postmodern Silver-Plated 'Cross Bowl' by Richard Meier for Swid Powell

By Swid Powell

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A wonderful postmodern silver plated 'Cross Bowl" Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Model no. 3411. Together with its original box and paperwork insert. Swid Powell was ...

Category

Late 20th Century Argentine Modern Swid Powell Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of Silver Plate Fluted Candlesticks by Robert A.M. Stern for Swid Powell
Pair of Silver Plate Fluted Candlesticks by Robert A.M. Stern for Swid Powell

Pair of Silver Plate Fluted Candlesticks by Robert A.M. Stern for Swid Powell

By Swid Powell

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine pair of postmodern silver-plated candlesticks. Designed by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell. In the form of stout, fluted columns with broad flat bobeches. Swid Powell w...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Swid Powell Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Silver Plate Skyscraper Plate or Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
Silver Plate Skyscraper Plate or Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell

Silver Plate Skyscraper Plate or Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell

By Swid Powell

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine silver plated plate or tray. Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Swid Powell was the highly acclaimed New York City based tableware company founded by Nan Swid...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Swid Powell Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Large Vintage Silver Plate 'Lily' Bowl by Elsa Rady by Swid Powell
Large Vintage Silver Plate 'Lily' Bowl by Elsa Rady by Swid Powell

Large Vintage Silver Plate 'Lily' Bowl by Elsa Rady by Swid Powell

By Swid Powell

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine 'Lily' silver-plated bowl. Designed by Elsa Rady for Swid Powell. Model no. 3320. Together with its original box and paperwork insert. Swid Powell...

Category

Late 20th Century Argentine Retro Swid Powell Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Postmodern Silver Plated Picture Frame by TsAO & McKown for Swid Powell
Postmodern Silver Plated Picture Frame by TsAO & McKown for Swid Powell

Postmodern Silver Plated Picture Frame by TsAO & McKown for Swid Powell

By Swid Powell

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A wonderful postmodern silver-plated easel back frame. Designed by TsAO & Mckown for Swid Powell. Model no. 3310. Comprising a one-piece, welded easel b...

Category

Late 20th Century Argentine Modern Swid Powell Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Postmodern Silver Plate 'Ripple' Photo Frame by TsAO & McKown for Swid Powell
Postmodern Silver Plate 'Ripple' Photo Frame by TsAO & McKown for Swid Powell

Postmodern Silver Plate 'Ripple' Photo Frame by TsAO & McKown for Swid Powell

By Swid Powell

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A wonderful postmodern silver-plated easel back frame. Designed by TsAO & Mckown for Swid Powell. Model no. 3311 - entitled the "Ripple" frame. Comprising a one-piece, welded ease...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Swid Powell Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Postmodern Rectangular Silver Plate Bar Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
Postmodern Rectangular Silver Plate Bar Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell

Postmodern Rectangular Silver Plate Bar Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell

By Swid Powell

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A postmodern silver-plated rectangular tray. Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Model no. 3416. Together with its original box. Swid Powell was the highly acclaimed New Y...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Swid Powell Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

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Previously Available Items
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A fine large silver-plated fruit bowl. Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Model no. 3051. This design was originally named the 'King Richard Bowl' when introduced in 1984....

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Located in Philadelphia, PA

Offered here for your consideration is a fine silver plated fruit bowl. Additional Details: Model no. 3052. Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Swid Powell was the highly a...

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Swid Powell jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Swid Powell jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using silver. We have 9 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. Prices for Swid Powell jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,250 and tops out at $1,950, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $1,250.