Woodblock 1785 - 1799

This woodblock was made by Swaislands Fabric Printing Works, and used to print textiles. Take a close look: the pattern is created by carefully cutting away at the surface of the wood. The remaining raised areas would have been inked, and then pressed onto fabric. Consider the incredible labor involved in this process. Each block could only print one color, so elaborate designs required multiple blocks and many passes. Now, imagine the textile that this block would have produced. The texture, weight, and drape of the fabric, and the intricate pattern, all contributed to its value. This value was both aesthetic and economic: printed textiles were a key commodity in the Industrial Revolution. Looking at this woodblock, we can appreciate the artistry and skill that went into the creation of everyday objects. It challenges us to reconsider the relationship between art, craft, and industrial production.