Winifred Clark Shaw was an accomplished artisan and a highly regarded UNH professor, who taught jewelry, metalsmithing, and weaving here from 1954 to 1987. Amiably referred to as “Win,” she earned a B.S. in home economics from Iowa State and went on to get her M.F.A. in metalsmithing with minors in weaving and ceramics from the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan.

A self-described “maker of things,” Winifred Clark Shaw created fine jewelry pieces, metal bowls, and containers. Best known as a weaver, she designed and wove everything from sweaters and tunics to rugs and tapestries. In the mid-1970s, Win made her first weavings based on the square motif. Experimentation with this design led to the development of an innovative technique in clothing, in which she created a continuously woven form known as a bias-fold garment. This was considered her greatest contribution to the art of weaving and won her national recognition.

Window was commissioned by Professors Barbara and Henry Wing, neighbors and UNH colleagues of Win’s, to hang on a brick wall by the fireplace in their Durham home. Win had recently been experimenting with a window motif and used that theme in this piece. The beautiful design, impressive technical skill, and colors and textures of the yarns make this piece an attractive and interesting example of Shaw’s textile artistry. An innovative artist and a highly esteemed faculty member, she was admired by many. We are grateful to the Wings for their thoughtful donation of this work to The Art Gallery.