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, pencil on card, recording an intertwined leaf design, oak leaves and acorns, stylised flowers (cornflowers, daisies?). The design shows the influence of 17th century crewelwork embroideries. The Arts and Crafts and Aesthetics Movements and the early designs of the Royal School of Art Needlework were very 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.

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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