'Dragon' Design Card, Repeating Pattern
Date
c.1900
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
Dimensions 153mm X 245mm
Creator
Royal School of Art 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.
Scope and content
Three versions of the same design showing a repeating pattern of a dragon with scrolling flowers, very similar in style and feel to plate 55 in 'Examples of Chinese Ornament Selected from Objects in the South Kensington Museum and other Collections' by Owen Jones, see (RSN Archives ref Books/Jo6). This was a volume in the 'Paintroom' library of the Royal School of Art Needlework and was used as design inspiration at the end of the 19th century and into the twentieth century. The introduction to Examples of Chinese Ornament gives details of the circumstances of the production of the drawings. Jones was allowed to borrow items from the collections of the South Kensington Museum in order to create the patterns.
The pattern in these design cards is a little different to Jones' but seems to take inspiration from the top section of his pattern and features a repeat scrolling pattern of a Chinese inspired dragon with scrolling floral elements emanating from it. The dragon in this design has distinct wings, in contrast to the Jones design which is a more typical Chinese dragon without wings. Such a repeat pattern would have been suitable for a number of embroidered object types including hangings and curtains.
The existence of 3 cards of this design suggests that this was a popular design, possibly over a number of years. The bottom of D1/598 has a typed pasted note 'If not returned within a week, and in good condition a charge will be made-according to value.' D1/599 is a more formalised printed design card and has the generic 'It is respectfully requested that the 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.'
The pattern in these design cards is a little different to Jones' but seems to take inspiration from the top section of his pattern and features a repeat scrolling pattern of a Chinese inspired dragon with scrolling floral elements emanating from it. The dragon in this design has distinct wings, in contrast to the Jones design which is a more typical Chinese dragon without wings. Such a repeat pattern would have been suitable for a number of embroidered object types including hangings and curtains.
The existence of 3 cards of this design suggests that this was a popular design, possibly over a number of years. The bottom of D1/598 has a typed pasted note 'If not returned within a week, and in good condition a charge will be made-according to value.' D1/599 is a more formalised printed design card and has the generic 'It is respectfully requested that the 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.'
Reference code
D1/597
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