LIFE

Ruth Adler Schnee, esteem textile designer

Ruth Adler Schnee, a doyenne of mid-century design, has a lot to smile about. Still working as a textile designer, many of her designs from the 1940s and ;50s are still in production.
Ruth Adler Schnee, a doyenne of mid-century design, has a lot to smile about. Still working as a textile designer, many of her designs from the 1940s and ;50s are still in production.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
Working out of her home office, the 94- year-old continues to design fabrics and wallcoverings for both Knoll Associates and Anzea Textiles.
Working out of her home office, the 94- year-old continues to design fabrics and wallcoverings for both Knoll Associates and Anzea Textiles.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
The foyer walls have been painted a luscious shade of orange.
The foyer walls have been painted a luscious shade of orange.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
In the living room, a marble cocktail table, designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, sits in front of a Jens Risom settee.
In the living room, a marble cocktail table, designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, sits in front of a Jens Risom settee.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
Shelves in the living room hold Ruth’s extensive book collection.
Shelves in the living room hold Ruth’s extensive book collection.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
Eero Saarinen designed this Womb Chair, an icon of mid-century modern design, in the 1940s
Eero Saarinen designed this Womb Chair, an icon of mid-century modern design, in the 1940s
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
A handsome rectangular candleholder, made out of pine, hangs bove the fireplace in the living. It was crafted by a Danish artist named AKjarholm.
A handsome rectangular candleholder, made out of pine, hangs bove the fireplace in the living. It was crafted by a Danish artist named AKjarholm.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
A long view of the condo’s living room.
A long view of the condo’s living room.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
In the upstairs office, Ruth’s father’s extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts has been place on Lucite shelves.
In the upstairs office, Ruth’s father’s extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts has been place on Lucite shelves.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
A close-up view of Schnee’s father’s pre-Columbian collection.
A close-up view of Schnee’s father’s pre-Columbian collection.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
One of the many stunning fabrics Ruth designed for Knoll Associates.
One of the many stunning fabrics Ruth designed for Knoll Associates.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
A design project that was created by Schnee.
A design project that was created by Schnee.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
The curtained Beidermeir cabinet in the dining room was brought over from Germany by Ruth’s parents.
The curtained Beidermeir cabinet in the dining room was brought over from Germany by Ruth’s parents.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
In the dining room, a Jens Risom dining table and host and hostess chairs co-mingle with vintage bentwood and cane Thonet chairs that Ruth’s parents purchased while honeymooning in Czechoslovakia in 1920.
In the dining room, a Jens Risom dining table and host and hostess chairs co-mingle with vintage bentwood and cane Thonet chairs that Ruth’s parents purchased while honeymooning in Czechoslovakia in 1920.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
A painting by iconic painter Paul Klee hangs on a wall in the master bedroom. Klee was the Schnee’s next door neighbor when they lived in Germany.
A painting by iconic painter Paul Klee hangs on a wall in the master bedroom. Klee was the Schnee’s next door neighbor when they lived in Germany.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
A painting by famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt also hangs on a wall in Adler Schnee’s bedroom.
A painting by famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt also hangs on a wall in Adler Schnee’s bedroom.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
In the courtyard, a reproduction stone head of Michelangelo’s David mingles with pottery from Peru and Mexico that Ruth and Edward collected while traveling.
In the courtyard, a reproduction stone head of Michelangelo’s David mingles with pottery from Peru and Mexico that Ruth and Edward collected while traveling.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
The patio garden.
The patio garden.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
. The Jens Risom settee in the living room is covered with “Bells” fabric that Ruth designed.
. The Jens Risom settee in the living room is covered with “Bells” fabric that Ruth designed.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
A close-up of the Bells fabric that covers the Jens Risom settee.
A close-up of the Bells fabric that covers the Jens Risom settee.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
Called Strings And Things, this fabric was designed by Ruth for Anzea Textiles in the 40s and is still being produced today.
Called Strings And Things, this fabric was designed by Ruth for Anzea Textiles in the 40s and is still being produced today.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
Called “Cordwood”, this fabric was designed by Ruth for Anzea Textiles in the1950s and is still available today.
Called “Cordwood”, this fabric was designed by Ruth for Anzea Textiles in the1950s and is still available today.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
This 100-year-old tri-colored glass table was designed at the Weimar Bauhaus in Germany.
This 100-year-old tri-colored glass table was designed at the Weimar Bauhaus in Germany.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
Another sample of her classic textiles.
Another sample of her classic textiles.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
A antique chair. (Ruth Solomon will caption the photo.**Ruth Adler Schnee home and studio for the homestyle cover. Schnee, 94, is an iconic modern textile designer. She was also one of the first to sell modern furniture, fabrics and home furnishings in Detroit., Southfield, Mi. September 14, 2017, (Clarence Tabb Jr./Detroit News)
A antique chair. (Ruth Solomon will caption the photo.**Ruth Adler Schnee home and studio for the homestyle cover. Schnee, 94, is an iconic modern textile designer. She was also one of the first to sell modern furniture, fabrics and home furnishings in Detroit., Southfield, Mi. September 14, 2017, (Clarence Tabb Jr./Detroit News)
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News