Manufacturer gives to WTC exhibit - Nielsen and Bainbridge - World Trade Center - Brief Article

Art Business News, Jan, 2002

NEW YORK--After the tragic events of Sept. 11, Nielsen Bainbridge wanted to find a way to memorialize that day and aid the families of victims.

"We wanted to do something positive," said Deirdre Murphy, product manager for Nielsen metal mouldings. "In fact, we became involved with two separate events--and they actually each happened on Nov. 1."

On Sept. 11, photographer Martha Cooper began traveling around New York documenting the impromptu memorials springing up all over the city. The result is "Missing," an exhibit focused on these memorials.

The photography is all by Martha Cooper. All of the framing was donated by Nielsen Bainbridge. The exhibit, which was on view in November at the Municipal Art Society in New York, may soon tour other locations.

"Everyone at Nielsen Bainbridge was so moved by efforts to pay tribute to the victims," explained Murphy, "and we wanted to make a contribution that would really help. When we found out about the exhibit planned at the Municipal Art Society, we immediately made an offer to supply framing."

Four photos in the downstairs lobby were framed with the latest style of Nielsen metal moulding. The exhibit continued upstairs through a multi-media transition area which continuously flashed images of victims against a backdrop of newspaper clippings from the event.

In the second-floor hallway gallery, hundreds of additional photos were displayed on bulletin boards in much the same way the memorials were created throughout the city. The total effect captured the city's need to create memories and images that will survive the tragedy.

Also on Nov. 1, Metropolitan Home magazine joined forces with the New York Design Center to present "Design Cares," a benefit for the September 11th Fund. More than 200 design companies, ranging from Tiffany's to ABC Carpet & Home to Calvin Klein, donated products for a silent auction to benefit the fund. Nielsen Bainbridge made two contributions. The company framed six prints of an original poster by New York design firm Suka and Friends which depicted the twin towers of the World Trade Center built from words that describe the feelings of New Yorkers. Nielsen Bainbridge also contributed a valuable framed Miro print from the company's art collection.

The Metropolitan Home/New York Design Center event drew more than 600 people and raised $100,000 for The September 11th Fund. "We were really proud to participate in both of these events," said Murphy. "We feel strongly that there is a unique role for all of us in the art and framing industry in helping America to memorialize this tragedy and provide aid for the families who are left."

For more details about "Missing," visit the Municipal Art Society's Web site at www.mas.org.