GREENSBORO, N.C. — Furnishings designer John E. Black, age 71, died at his residence Dec. 17 after an extended battle with most cancers.
Black was born in Morganton, N.C., on June 1, 1950, the son of Fred and Martha Black, who preceded him in demise. After attending Kendall School of Artwork and Design within the early Seventies, Black apprenticed with main furnishings design companies in Montreal, Washington D.C. and Chicago. From 1991-2000, he served as Baker Furnishings vice chairman of design, guiding the event of collections from Barbara Barry, Michael Vanderbyl and Milling Street, amongst others.
Black shaped J Black Design in 2000, a partnership along with his spouse, Joyce Lortz Black. He designed iconic furnishings collections for main luxurious manufacturers, together with Baker, Century, Councill, Ethan Allen, Hancock & Moore, Hickory Chair, Kravet and Vanguard. He retired in 2018.
Along with his spouse Joyce, Black is survived by his son and two grandchildren.
A celebration of John Black’s life and profession might be held on March 30, 2022, on the Bienenstock Furnishings Library in Excessive Level for household, mates and colleagues. Additional particulars might be forthcoming.
Joyce Black, along with household and mates, have established a design scholarship in John Black’s identify, in partnership with the Bienenstock Furnishings Library, supporting the Library’s Future Designers Summit set for the autumn 2022. In lieu of flowers, contributions are most welcome and totally tax deductible. Please make checks payable to the Bienenstock Furnishings Library (with “John Black” famous within the memo line) and mail to the Library at 1009 N. Most important Road, Excessive Level, N.C. 27262.
