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Zaha Hadid and George Sowden, creating products that incorporated the bright, saturated colors and popular and historical references, like Classical columns, that animated postmodern design in the 1980s.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.
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 ...
Silver Plate
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...
Silver Plate
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...
Silver Plate
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...
Silver Plate
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...
Silver Plate
Large Silver Plate Charger or Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine large silver plated charger or tray. Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Model no. 417. Together with its original box. Swid Pow...
Silver Plate
George III Sterling Silver Chamber Stick
By Henry Chawner
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A wonderful George III period chamber stick in sterling silver by Henry Chawner of London. An elegant scrolled handle is mounted to an octagonal base underneath a column with reeded ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Wallace Silversmiths Grand Baroque Vintage Sterling Silver Gravy Bowl 4995
By Wallace Silversmiths
Located in Addison, TX
Beautiful Grande baroque by Wallace sterling silver gravy boat marked #4995. This gravy boat measures 3 x 6 in diameter and weighs 7.5 ounces (214.6 grams). It is not monogrammed an...
Sterling Silver
$594Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5.63 in W 2.64 in D 2.64 in
Pair of Lovely Queen Elizabeth ii Sterling Silver Candlesticks, Birmingham, 1972
Located in GB
Wimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of Elizabeth II 1972 Sterling silver candlesticks A nice decorative pair, Birmingham made and very elegant ...
Sterling Silver
Handmade Whimsical Hanging Sterling Silver Menorah for Hanukkah Yemenite Hand Ma
Located in Great Neck, NY
Whimsical Menorah for Hanukkah. A beautiful piece that is all handcrafted with Solid Sterling Silver in Israel with fine yemenite workmanship that...
Sterling Silver
7-Light Candelabrum in Solid 925 Silver by Pria e Sari, Italy (1900)
Located in Bergamo, BG
Magnificent 7-light candelabrum entirely crafted in solid 925 silver, without any internal filling, by the artisan Pria e Sari, Italy, dating back to 1900. The piece features an eleg...
Silver
Buccellati Silver Double Handle Bowl
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Buccellati silver double handle bowl, circa 1900s A magnificent work of handmade sterling silver bowl, featuring double handles and flowers motif; marked Buccellati, Made in Italy, ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Mid-Century Leaf Bowl and Matching Leaf Nut Dishes
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Tiffany & Co. Makers mid-century footed leaf bowl serving dish (one) and five matching individual nut dishes. Elevate your holiday events and dinner parties with this six piece set ...
Sterling Silver
Lapis Lazuli Silver Plated Spoon Set of Six by Marina J.
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing One of a Kind Spoon Set by Marina J. Each spoon in this set of 6 is composed of clean and graceful lines giving this elegant set a modern flare. The lapis lazuli beads attach...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver Plate
Russian Silver Plate Samovar with Tray Set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- The set is made out of silver plate with celluloid/ bone details - The samovar features floral & geometric motifs - The tray stamped with makers marks that are a little worn off (З...
Silver Plate
$255 / item
H 0.32 in W 3.15 in L 2.76 in
De Vecchi Milano 1935 small face bowl in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
De Vecchi Milano 1935 small face bowl in 925 sterling silver ERE Collection Measurements 8 x 7 x 0.8 cm Weight 23 g Reference ERE10 Small bowl - saucer part of a collection called ...
Sterling Silver
Art Deco Design Squirrel Bowl Silver
Located in Geneva, CH
Bowl stylizing a Squirrel in Silver 925/1000. Art Deco design. Dimensions: Length: 18.00 centimeters. Width (at maximum): 11.00 centimeters. Height: 1...
Silver
19th-Century European Silver Hanukkah Menorah
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Description: This is a 19th-century silver Hanukkah menorah from Europe, showcasing a beautifully engraved Star of David at its center. Below the star are the Tablets of the Law, fla...
Silver
Large Postmodern Silver Plate Swid Powell Skyscraper Bowl by Richard Meier
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
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....
Silver Plate
Postmodern Silver Plate Skyscraper Fruit Bowl by Richard Meier
By Swid Powell
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...
Silver Plate