Design Card

1875-1922

Item

Dimensions 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.

Two design cards recording versions of an embroidery design for a panel or curtain. Central rose flower on thorny stem, surrounded by exotic climbing hanging fruit (pears or lemon or quince?) with leaves. Four birds of paradise (exotic birds) sitting in the branches.

Stamped Painting room, which the department of the Royal School of Art Needlework (later the Royal School of Needlework) responsible for design.

Version 'a' is pencil on card version 'b' is pencil and watercolour on card with the birds of paradise in vibrant blues, purples and greens, the rose in pink with a yellow centre and the fruit in shades of green, ochre and yellow. The coloured version also has a curtain rod drawn in at the top.

The design is reminiscent of some of the work the Royal School of Art Needlework was doing at the turn of the century under the design leadership of Nellie Whichello. (see Nellie's work for the 1900 Paris International Exhibition) ( for further information on Nellie's work see Lynn Hulse Oxford National Dictionary of Biographies, entry for Nellie Whichello https://doi.org/10.1093/odnb/9780198614128.013.90000382475)

'painting room' printed The card is printed 'Royal School of Art Needlework, Exhibition Road, London S.W.' at the top, and 'It is respectfully requested that designs sent for selection be not kept 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 a damaged condition' at the bottom

D1/031.a-b