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 rectangular design for embroidery with a border of intertwined leaves and flowers (sunflowers and tulips) on the left hand side with strong vertical line/stem running vertically off centre.

To the right of the border are regularly interspaced flowers designs using 2 flower heads, a closed sunflower head and a small wildflower and small abstract floral designs. The abstract motifs are composed of 4 petals and 4 curls which cross the design diagonally.

This sort of design was probably intended for a quilt cover or similarly large item that did not necessarily hang straight.

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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