Partial Design for Bay Window with Monogrammed Curtains 1841 - 1900

This delicate drawing was produced by Charles Hindley and Sons, likely in the late 19th century. It is rendered in graphite on paper, showing a partial design for a bay window, complete with elaborate, monogrammed curtains. The choice of graphite, a relatively humble material, allows for intricate detailing and subtle shading, essential for conveying the texture and depth of the proposed design. You see how the crisp lines define the architectural elements, while softer strokes suggest the drape and fall of the curtains. The design shows a highly ornamented interior, indicative of the Victorian era’s ethos of excess. The monogrammed curtains speak to the personalization of domestic space, a potent symbol of status. Consider the labor involved. From the textile production of the curtain fabric, to the highly skilled needlework required for the monogram, to the craftsmanship needed to produce the complex window structure. This drawing offers a glimpse into the aesthetics of wealth, but also the labor required to create it. Appreciating such designs means acknowledging the social context of their making, and use.