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.

Design card recording a floral border with a bird in the corner.

Entwined floral design around a corner, with different stylised flower motifs on curving stems. Stylised bird at the corner. The motif has some suggestions of crewelwork 'tree of life' designs. The Arts and Crafts and Aesthetics movement and the early designs of the Royal school of Art Needlework were 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.
pencil on card.

The design is in pencil on card and labelled in pencil 'Quilt or curtain border'.

Labelled in Pencil 'Quilt or Curtain Border' 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

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