Chintz Square c. 1938

Daniel Fletcher created this "Chintz Square" sometime between 1855 and 1995. This work speaks volumes about the cultural and economic landscapes that fostered its creation. The intricate floral design and the use of chintz, a glazed cotton fabric originally from India, point to Britain's colonial past and its complex relationship with global trade. During Fletcher's life, Britain's textile industry thrived on raw materials sourced from its colonies. The aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts movement, which rejected industrial production in favor of handmade goods, may have inspired Fletcher. As an art historian, I would examine the pattern books and design archives of the period. These are essential to understanding the artistic influences and social values that shaped Fletcher's work. The meaning of this artwork is always contingent on the institutions and social norms of the past.