Design Card

1875-1922

Item

Dimensions 153mm X 245mm

Image, Selwyn

Royal School of Needlework: Created by the Royal School of Art Needlework as miniaturised versions of designs. Original designs were miniaturised and either traced or copied onto 'Design Cards' which were sent out to clients for next day approval. This was part of the work of the 'Painting Room' sometimes referred to as the Paintroom, the department responsible for all design and draftsmanship.
Image, Selwyn: Selwyn Image (17 February 1849 – 21 August 1930) was a designer associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement. He designed across multiple media, and is particularly known for his stained glass windows, but also designed furniture, embroidery and illustrated books. He contributed designs over a number of years to the Royal School of Art Needlework. He was also the seventh Slade Professor of Fine Art at the University of Oxford from 1910 to 1916.

Design card recording two tea cosy designs, both floral. The first by a designer named only as Leopold shows scrolling eastern style floral decoration and the accompanying note describes it as being able to be adapted to a nightdress. The second design is by 'Image' presumably Arts and Crafts designer Selwyn Image, and looks like a small wildflower of some sort similar to a primrose or primula. This type of design adaptable for small scale commissions was very useful for the Royal School of Art Needlework and would be used to provide products for their Christmas Gift and other sales events.

painting room, tea cosy leopard, can be arranged for nightdress sachet, tea cosy image The card is printed Royal School of Art Needlework at the top, 'It is respectful requested that Designs sent for selection be not kept for more than ONE CLEAR DAY. and to prevent damage in the post should be returned in the cards sent herewith. It is found necessary to make a charge for replacing designs returned in damaged conditiion' at the bottom.

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