Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2006, History

Marianne Strengell overcame sexual stereotypes and established herself as a notable 20th century designer. The study considers Strengell's role as an educator at Cranbrook, innovator in cottage industry development, and active participant in design for architects and industry. Emigrating from Finland to the Detroit area in 1937, Strengell served as weaving instructor at Cranbrook Academy of Arts in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where she inspired numerous Cranbrook weavers who shaped textile design in America and abroad. Strengell pursued various projects outside of the Academy, including the development of a cottage industry in the Philippines. During the 1940s and 1950s Strengell worked with several architects and industrial designers and designed woven car upholstery fabrics. Research methods for this thesis included archival research at Cranbrook Archives, as well as readings in published books, articles, and reports on related topics: woman designers in the United States, Scandinavian immigrants, and Cranbrook artists.

Committee: Douglas Forsyth (Advisor) Subjects: