Printed Textile c. 1938

This printed textile was designed by Ralph M. Lewis sometime between 1855 and 1995. It seems to be printed on cotton, a material that became widely available thanks to industrialization. Looking closely, you can see the repeating patterns of floral designs alongside an almost wave-like striped motif, each carefully placed to create a visually appealing surface. It would be interesting to know what kind of printing process was used to create this textile. The regularity of the pattern suggests a mechanized process, perhaps involving engraved rollers or screens. This would allow for mass production, reflecting the rise of consumer culture and the availability of affordable textiles for home decoration. The choice of floral patterns speaks to a desire for beauty and ornamentation, while the mechanized production hints at the labor and industrial processes behind its creation. By considering its materiality and production, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and economic forces that shaped this seemingly simple printed textile, blurring the lines between craft, design, and industry.