Introduction
Susan Weber stands as a pioneering figure in the realm of decorative arts and design history. Her multifaceted career encompasses academia, philanthropy, and a profound commitment to preserving and promoting material culture. As the founder and director of the Bard Graduate Center (BGC), she has significantly influenced the study and appreciation of decorative arts. This article delves into her early life, educational journey, professional accomplishments, and lasting impact on the field.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1954 in Brooklyn, New York City, Susan Weber was raised in a culturally rich environment. Her father, Murray Weber, was a manufacturer of shoe accessories, while her mother, Iris, was a housewife with a deep appreciation for the decorative arts. This upbringing instilled in Susan a lasting passion for material culture.
Weber’s academic journey began at Barnard College of Columbia University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history. She furthered her studies at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum/Parsons School of Design, obtaining a Master’s degree. Her scholarly pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. from the Royal College of Art in London, where her dissertation focused on the furniture of E.W. Godwin, a prominent designer of the 19th century.
Founding the Bard Graduate Center
In 1991, Susan Weber founded the Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture. Her vision was to create an institution dedicated to the scholarly examination of decorative arts, a field she believed was underrepresented in academic circles. With an initial investment of $20 million, she established BGC as a graduate research institute affiliated with Bard College in Dutchess County, New York.
Under Weber’s leadership, BGC has flourished, offering both Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The center is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and its commitment to interdisciplinary research. Weber’s role as the Iris Horowitz Professor in the History of Decorative Arts underscores her dedication to advancing the study of material culture.
Scholarly Contributions and Publications
Susan Weber’s scholarly work has significantly enriched the field of decorative arts. She has authored and edited numerous publications that explore various facets of design history. Notable among these is The Secular Furniture of E.W. Godwin, which examines the work of the Aesthetic Movement designer. Additionally, she has co-edited volumes such as History of Design: Decorative Arts and Material Culture, 1400–2000, a comprehensive survey of global design history, and William Kent: Designing Georgian Britain, which delves into the life and work of the 18th-century designer.
Weber’s research interests are diverse, encompassing British decorative arts and design of the 18th and 19th centuries. Her exhibitions and publications have featured designers like Thomas Jeckyll, James “Athenian” Stuart, and William Kent. More recently, her work has expanded to include studies on Swedish wooden toys and the history of the American circus, reflecting her broad intellectual curiosity and commitment to exploring various aspects of material culture.
Recognition and Awards
Susan Weber’s contributions to the field have been widely recognized. In 2015, she received the Alfred H. Barr Jr. Award from the College Art Association for the catalogue William Kent: Designing Georgian Britain. This prestigious award honors distinguished catalogues in the history of art published under the auspices of a museum, library, or collection. Weber’s receipt of this award highlights her commitment to scholarly excellence and her significant impact on the study of decorative arts.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Beyond her academic endeavors, Susan Weber has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy. In 2015, she sold a significant portion of her personal design collection, valued at approximately $3 million, with all proceeds benefiting the Bard Graduate Center Scholarship Fund. This generous act underscores her dedication to supporting future scholars and ensuring the continued success of BGC.
In her personal life, Weber was married to billionaire financier George Soros from 1983 until their divorce in 2005. They have two children, Alexander and Gregory. Despite her association with Soros, Weber has maintained a distinct and independent career, marked by her own achievements and contributions to the field of decorative arts.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
Susan Weber’s influence extends beyond her scholarly and philanthropic endeavors. Through her leadership at the Bard Graduate Center, she has shaped the academic landscape of decorative arts and design history. BGC has become a leading institution in the field, attracting scholars and students from around the world. Weber’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and her vision for the center have established a lasting legacy in the study of material culture.
Conclusion
Susan Weber’s life and work exemplify a profound dedication to the study and appreciation of decorative arts and design history. Through her academic achievements, scholarly publications, and philanthropic efforts, she has significantly contributed to the enrichment of material culture studies. As the founder and director of the Bard Graduate Center, Weber has created an enduring institution that continues to inspire and educate future generations of scholars and enthusiasts in the field.
Her legacy is a testament to the importance of preserving and understanding the objects that shape our lives, ensuring that the study of decorative arts remains a vital and respected discipline in the academic world.
