Synopses & Reviews
First published in 1984, this remains the definitive study of textiles as they were used in early American homes. The book offers an overview of textiles in America, based on years of research, that is unmatched in scope.Imported textiles played a central role in the lives of American colonists. The most-imported commodity, and a highly valued one, textiles were used for bedding, bed curtains, clothing, household linens, window curtains, upholstery, and floor covering.This book illustrates samples from collections around the world, as well as drawings and engravings of the time. Its dictionary-style entries depict the myriad household uses for textiles in the period. Drawing on original documents, prints, paintings, commercial records, merchant papers, advertisements, and pattern books, Textiles in Americais a comprehensive resource, and a treasure trove of scholarship.
Review
"A comprehensive resource for historians, dealers, interior designers/decorators and vintage enthusiasts. Above all, it's a treasure trove of scholarship." New England Antiques Journal
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"A fascinating and thorough account here...A valuable resource for researchers and laypersons alike." Choice
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"[A] new foreword...is welcome both for its erudition and its insight into the history of scholarship in the field" Mary Schoeser
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"[E]xemplifies the depth and quality of the work of an earlier generation of women scholars...[A] work of delight and conviction." Crafts Magazine
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"[F]ascinating...definitive...a most valuable resource....This informative book is a must for every guild library." Kate Davies Selvedge Magazine
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"[W]onderful...[P]rovides insight for those interested in reconstructing period rooms...[E]qually valuable for homeowners and decorators who endeavor to incorporate historical approaches." Jan Paul Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot
Synopsis
The book offers an overview of textiles in America, based on years of research, that is unmatched in scope. Imported textiles played a central role in the lives of American colonists. The most-imported commodity, and a highly valued one, textiles were used for bedding, bed curtains, clothing, household linens, window curtains, upholstery, and floor covering. This book illustrates samples from collections around the world, as well as drawings and engravings of the time. Its dictionary-style entries depict the myriad household uses for textiles in the period. Drawing on original documents, prints, paintings, commercial records, merchant papers, advertisements, and pattern books, is a comprehensive resource, and a treasure trove of scholarship.
Synopsis
First published in 1984, this remains the definitive study of textiles as they were used in early American homes.
Synopsis
The book offers anoverview of textiles in America, based onyearsof research, that isunmatched inscope.Imported textiles played a central rolein the lives of Americancolonists. Themost-imported commodity, and a highly valuedone, textiles were used forbedding, bed curtains, clothing, household linens, window curtains, upholstery, and floorcovering.Thisbookillustrates samples from collections aroundthe world, as well as drawings andengravings ofthe time. Itsdictionary-style entries depict the myriad household uses for textiles in theperiod. Drawing on originaldocuments, prints, paintings, commercial records, merchant papers, advertisements, and pattern books, Textiles in Americais a comprehensive resource, and a treasure trove of scholarship.
About the Author
The late Florence M. Montgomery was assistant curator of textiles at the Winterthur Museum.