Conversation Print Top

Maker:

UNKNOWN

Date:

1887 - 1899

Cotton patchwork top with central patchwork square on point, surrounded by hexgaons pieced over papers and a final mitred corner border of Walter Crane design printed fabric. The printed cottons include a large number of conversation prints, which feature 57 different novelty designs including sporting and racing motifs, postage stamps, clocks, razors, umbrellas, garden tools, playing cards, cats with guitars, padlocks, dominos, horse shoes and a dog in a top hat!

The outer border of Walter Crane designed fabric illustrates a fashionably dressed couple from each decade from 1837 to 1887, and shows the chnages in style from the start of Queen Victoria's reign up to the second bustle period. Walter Crane was an artist and illustrator and part of the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 19th century. Along with other designers and writers such as William Morris and Oscar Wilde, he was part of the Aesthetic movement, and it is interesting that the very specific Aesthetic style of dress is pictured for the year 1877, when the movement was at its height. Aesthetic dress followed the natural form without the restrictions of corsets and large petticoats, and the woman wears her hair natural and loose. Thhe aesthetic couple can be seen holding a sunflower and a peacock feather fan, two popular symbols of the movement. As the decades cover 1837 to 1887, it is likely the fabric is a celebration of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.