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.
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.
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.
Scope and content
Design card recording three blotter designs. The first "Crocus' shows crocus flowers and two butterflies and bird outlines in the sky. The second, 'Iris Dado', has the word Blotter at the top of the design and a central iris flower with two smaller irises either side, the description suggests that the design was for originally a Dado (a lower wall hanging), repurposed as a blotter. The third 'Image Apron' shows three stylised tulips. It may previously have been an apron design, again adapted for blotters. 'Image' in the context of the Royal School of Needlework design collection usually refers to the Arts and Crafts designer Selwyn Image, who did a number of designs for the school in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Written in pencil 'Blotters' and then for each design 'Crocus', 'Iris Dado', and 'Image Apron'
Ink 'Blotters' were a common Victorian object and embroidered covers were often made to hold blotting paper.
Written in pencil 'Blotters' and then for each design 'Crocus', 'Iris Dado', and 'Image Apron'
Ink 'Blotters' were a common Victorian object and embroidered covers were often made to hold blotting paper.
Transcription
Pencil writing 'Blotters', each design labelled 'Crocus', 'Iris Dado', 'Image Apron' 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
D1/030
© Royal School of Needlework