Gudrun Stig Aagaard

Gudrun Stig Aagaard (13 January 1895 – 19 April 1986) was a Danish textile artist who specialized in printed fabrics. She opened her own workshop in 1928, pioneering printed textile designs in Denmark. She initially produced classical patterns but later adopted a more abstract approach in her creations for L.F. Foght. For over 50 years, she collaborated with Haandarbejdets Fremme.

Early life and education Born on 13 January 1895 in the village of Torslunde, Ishøj Municipality, Gudrun Stig Aagaard was the daughter of the factory manager Einar Nielsen (1855–1908) and Elisabeth Margrethe Thomsen (1857–1960). She was educated as a weaver in the early 1920s at the Tegne- og Kunstindustriskolen for Kvinder (Arts and Crafts School for Women) in Copenhagen and at the Académie des Beaux arts des Tissus in Lyon, France.

Career

Aagaard first worked in Anton Rosen's textile workshop. After using the batik technique for a number of years, she sought a simpler approach to printing fabrics. She made a number of study trips to England, France and Germany, where she was introduced to textile printing and dye production at IG Farben in Frankfurt. In 1928, she opened her own workshop, producing printed, woven and embroidered goods. Her patterns were carefully produced, combining flowers, leaves, triangles, and zigzagging lines. They exhibit discrete, harmonious shades, frequently inspired by plants.

Aagaard's work was exhibited at home and abroad. Items were included in "The Arts of Denmark" exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1960–61) and at the many shows arranged by Haandarbejdets Fremme where she was employed for over 50 years.

Gudrun Stig Aagaard died on 19 April 1986 in Copenhagen.