Silk Designs of the Eighteenth Century: In the Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, With a Complete Catalogue

Boston, MA.: Bullfinch Press, 1990. Comprehensive scholarly reference text presents a historical representation of the extensive collection of silk designs from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, some of which are among the earliest to have survived anywhere, with the exception of a few medieval Italian patterns. Most of the fabrics are of English origin, created to meet the requirements of European and American fashion markets. The collection includes comparable French patterns, and the extraordinarily lush designs of a French order book. Includes a diverse number and patterns of silk designs- motifs ranging from lilies and wild daisies to exotic fruit, butterflies, castles by the sea, ruined temples, and patterns based on leopard spots, abstracts, or diamond latticework; brilliant colors and textural contrasts. Includes studies of the designers, weavers, journeymen, and mercers of the silk industry, and an extensive glossary. 351 pgs. 473 illustrations, 371 in full color. Small publisher's mark on outer edge. Dustjacket in mylar. Heavy item.. First American Edition. Hard Cover. Fine/Fine. Folio - over 12" - 15" tall.