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.
Crane, Walter (Mr): Walter Crane (15 August 1845-14 March 1915) was a prolific illustrator, designer and painter and part of the Arts and Crafts and Aesthetics Movements. Involved in the Holland Park social scene and a close friend of William Morris, Crane joined the Social Democratic Federation in 1884 and the Fabian Society in 1885. A founding member of the Art Workers Guild and the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, he was president until 1893, and again from 1896 until 1912, following the death of William Morris. In his autobiography (An Artists Reminiscences, p.164) he writes that as well as being on the advisory committee for the RSN, ‘along with William Morris, George Aitcheson […] and Fairfax Wade’ he contributed many designs 'for screens, panels, and other things, in which I introduced birds (notably peacocks), and other animals, and many of them are still worked I believe.'
Crane, Walter (Mr): Walter Crane (15 August 1845-14 March 1915) was a prolific illustrator, designer and painter and part of the Arts and Crafts and Aesthetics Movements. Involved in the Holland Park social scene and a close friend of William Morris, Crane joined the Social Democratic Federation in 1884 and the Fabian Society in 1885. A founding member of the Art Workers Guild and the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, he was president until 1893, and again from 1896 until 1912, following the death of William Morris. In his autobiography (An Artists Reminiscences, p.164) he writes that as well as being on the advisory committee for the RSN, ‘along with William Morris, George Aitcheson […] and Fairfax Wade’ he contributed many designs 'for screens, panels, and other things, in which I introduced birds (notably peacocks), and other animals, and many of them are still worked I believe.'
Scope and content
Record of designs for borders, pen and ink and pencil, cut out and pasted to design card.
The first border is labelled in pencil 'Crane Primrose', this is Walter Crane's Primrose (c.1876), which is design no. 14 in the Handbook of Embroidery by Letitia Higgins published by the Royal School of Art Needlework in 1880. The large format design is in the Royal School of Needlework's Design Collection.
The second border shows a vertical design of stylised acanthus leaves topped by a fruit basket with bunches of grapes and vine leaves. At the top of the design is a stylised tulip.
The third design is a linear design of twisted passionflowers and leaves.
The fourth design shows twisted stylised leaves and stems.
The first border is labelled in pencil 'Crane Primrose', this is Walter Crane's Primrose (c.1876), which is design no. 14 in the Handbook of Embroidery by Letitia Higgins published by the Royal School of Art Needlework in 1880. The large format design is in the Royal School of Needlework's Design Collection.
The second border shows a vertical design of stylised acanthus leaves topped by a fruit basket with bunches of grapes and vine leaves. At the top of the design is a stylised tulip.
The third design is a linear design of twisted passionflowers and leaves.
The fourth design shows twisted stylised leaves and stems.
Transcription
The first border is labelled 'Crane primrose' in pencil The card is printed 'Royal School of Art Needlework, Exhibition Road, South Kensington.' at the top, and 'KINDLY RETURN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE' at the bottom
Reference code
D1/028
© Royal School of Needlework