1998
Flowers • Blumen • Fleurs
English 18th Century Silks



Silk, woven to a design by Anna Maria Garthwaite dated 1749

The artistic background pattern in a single colour is typical of the late 1740s.
Inv. No. 4842



Damask, brocaded with silver and multicoloured silk thread

The combination of bizarre-abstract shapes and semi-naturalistic flowers dates this silk to the years between 1711 and 1715.
Inv. No. 3119


Skirt flounce, bluetabby brocaded in coloured silks

Silk fabrics with woven patterns were also made for gentlemens’ waistcoats after the 1720s. Around 1720-1723.
Inv. No. 4270



Silk with banana flowers and pineapples

Illustrations from botanical books were taken as models in the 1730s, in this case etchings by Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717), c. 1736-1739.
Inv. No. 3984


Damask, woven to a design by Anna Maria Garthwaite dated 1754

This generously patterned silk was woven by Simon Julins who specialized in damasks and bought several designs of this kind from Anna Maria Garthwaite.
Inv. No. 4495



Silk with roses and rosebuds

The pattern is designed as a wave line, reflecting William Hogarth’s (1697-1764) proposal of a "Line of Beauty”. c. 1744-1746.
Inv. No. 4305


Silk, woven to a design by Anna Maria Garthwaite dated 1752

With its stylised flowers, this silk represents the start of the trend which led away from naturalism to the small-decorative patterns of the late 18th century.
Inv. No. 4873