Silk Brocade and Lampas Document

Date19th or early 20th century

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 19 1/8 x 28 1/4in. (48.6 x 71.8cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 28 1/4in. (71.8cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis Henry Lenygon.

Object number1973-161

DescriptionThis is a rectangle of yellow satin with blue and brown stripes. White lampas leafy vines encircle each of the stripes. On the right side of the fragment is a very large bouquet of flowers including large, round pink roses and smaller blue and white flowers. The top and bottom edges are raw. The left and right edges are selvedges. The selvedge is 1/8” wide with one thick white warp on the edge then eight yellow warps in a warp-faced plain weave with grouped wefts. The bottom edge is likely the end of the bolt: the lampas ends, and the ground weave of the face becomes coarser.
Label TextThe decorating firm Lenygon & Morant, who contributed to the revival decoration of the White House under Jackie Kennedy, collected historic textiles to reproduce or adapt as decorating fabrics. This fabric was adapted from designs of the second half of the eighteenth century, but blown up to massive proportions.
MarkingsStamped in purple on reverse: “SAMPLE ONLY” “NOT FOR SALE” and rectangle stamp in each corner saying “MORANT & CO./91, NEW BOND ST./LONDON, W.”
ProvenanceThis is one of a large collection of "decorator samples" from the firm of MORANT & COMPANY, obtained by Morant & Co., 91 New Bond Street, London, before 1930. The firm, later known as LENYGON & MORANT, was transferred to New York about 1930.
Given to CWF, 1973.