Design Card

1875-1922

Item

Dimension 153mm X 245mm

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.

Design card recording a design of four 'Adam' designs of garlands of leaves. Pencil on tracing paper. The term 'Adam' references a neoclassical form of architectural and decorative embellishment based on the work of Scottish architect Robert Adam (1728–92) and his brothers John and James. It was a delicate and refined, more picturesque, version of Neoclassicism and dominated British taste between 1760 and 1780 and greatly influenced interior and furniture design. Fine examples of Adam's decorative style can be seen at Syon House, Middlesex (1762–4) and Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire (1761).

The early design work of the Royal School of Art Needlework (later the Royal School of Needlework) was heavily influenced by historical examples and styles in common with the Arts and Crafts and Aesthetics Movements out of which it was born. These patterns are likely to have been inspired by examples of needlework and decorative details from the eighteenth century.

D1/17.d is two outer borders with inner central motif , a festoon design of bows and stylised flowers Tulip on festoon, daisies on medallion in chain and central motif. Annotated in pencil 'Adams'

The card is printed 'Royal School of Art Needlework Exhibition road South Kensington' at the top, 'Kindly return as soon as possible' at the bottom.

The card is printed Royal School of Art Needlework Exhibition Road South Kensington at the top, 'Kindly return as soon as possible at the bottom.

D1/017.a-d