Brocaded Silk Panel

Date1740-1742

Possibly by Anna Maria Garthwaite

MediumBrocaded Silk Taffeta

DimensionsOH: 36" x OW: 20"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-1024,1

DescriptionThis is a fragment of brocaded silk taffeta. The fabric ground is cream colored, and features large floral sprays in rose, black, gold, blue, purple and green. These sprays feature a blending of colors, which creates a subtle rainbow effect.
Label TextThis silk fragment was designed in Spitalfields, a neighborhood in East London where England's finest silks were produced in the 18th century. This industry was led by French Protestant refugees, and it was because of these individuals that England's silks began to rival French examples. This textile, with its sinuous floral patterns, plain and light ground, and pastel tones, is typical of Spitalfields silks and the Rococo designs and colors that were so popular in Britain, the Continent, and the United States in the middle of the 18th century.
InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceAnna Maria Garthwaite was the daughter of Reverend Ephraim Garthwaite of Grantham, Lincolnshire and Rejoyce Hansted. She was born on March 14th, 1689 or 1690. Her family maintained its wealth by holding discreet allegiances to both sides of the Civil War. Anna Maria had two sisters, Dorothy and Mary. She moved to Spitalfields with her widowed sister, Mary, in 1728. It was there that she began her career in fashion. Anna Maria designed her textiles freelance, producing up to 85 designs a year. It is not known how or who taught her to make these textile designs, or how she learned the effects of different weaves, but it is clear from her designs that she had a strong understanding of fabric and how not to waste silk. Most of Garthwaite's work from the 1720s to 1756 still survive, except for works from 1746 and 1750. She died in 1763.

Exhibition(s)