Design Card
Date
1875-1922
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
Dimensions 153mm X 245mm
Creator
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.
Scope and content
Design cards, recording floral design showing stylised flowers, fruits, leaves and birds, two versions of the same design. Annotated on one 'Design worked by Mary Queen of Scots & her ladies'. The design card shows a 'Tree of Life' design probably intended for crewelwork. The design is drawn in pencil on card. It is likely intended for a a bed spread or curtain, or something on a large scale. The design covers the whole area of the card and shows trailing vines/branches with stylised leaves, flowers and grapes. Some small areas of the design seem to show acorns and oak leaves, and in the centre, strawberries. Throughout the design there are 6 birds shown, again in a stylised design.
It is not clear why this design has been attributed to Mary Queen of Scots, as it is unlikely that Mary Queen of Scots worked a design similar to this.
The Arts and Crafts and Aesthetics Movements and the early designs of the Royal School of Art Needlework were very inspired by historic needlework. Crewelwork was a very popular method of decorating domestic textiles in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, many crewelwork designs were inspired by the 'Tree of Life' motif present on painted Indian palampores which were being imported into Britain. These crewelwork embroideries exhibited curling vines, large leaves in a variety of shapes, and, sometimes, flowers.
It is not clear why this design has been attributed to Mary Queen of Scots, as it is unlikely that Mary Queen of Scots worked a design similar to this.
The Arts and Crafts and Aesthetics Movements and the early designs of the Royal School of Art Needlework were very inspired by historic needlework. Crewelwork was a very popular method of decorating domestic textiles in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, many crewelwork designs were inspired by the 'Tree of Life' motif present on painted Indian palampores which were being imported into Britain. These crewelwork embroideries exhibited curling vines, large leaves in a variety of shapes, and, sometimes, flowers.
Transcription
Printed painting room, The card is printed 'Royal School of Art Needlework exhibition Road South Kensington' 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 condition' at the bottom.
Reference code
D1/016.a-c
© Royal School of Needlework