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 an embroidery design, pencil on card. The card states that this was originally part of a 'Set of 6 designs', and is labelled as '18th century, No 4'. A floral pattern, it shows tulips, carnations, a number of exotic flowers and a variety of leaves. 'Painting room' is stamped on the left bottom corner and the design needs to be viewed with the card horizontal.

The Royal School of Art Needlework (later the Royal School of Needlework) like much of the Arts and Crafts and Aesthetics movements was heavily influenced by historical examples of design and in this case of needlework. Many of the organisations founding members were collectors of historic needlework and they also had close links to the newly established South Kensington Museum (later the V&A) and the Artists Committee (comprised initially of Fredrick Leighton, GF Bodley and Val Princep) who advised on matters of design, actively encouraged students and employees in the Paintroom or 'Painting room' to copy and study old examples of good quality. It is likely that this design was taken from one of those examples.

painting room

D1/096