Panel (Furnishing Fabric) c. 1880 - 1890

This furnishing fabric panel was created by Kate Greenaway, a British artist associated with the late 19th century. Greenaway gained recognition for her illustrated children's books. The fabric features groups of figures amidst a field of roses, rendered in a monochrome palette. Floral motifs, common in textiles, were often associated with femininity and domesticity. During the Victorian era, the Arts and Crafts movement influenced the creation of functional and decorative objects, imbuing them with artistic value. Greenaway's designs aligned with this movement's emphasis on aesthetics in everyday life, blurring the lines between fine art and craft. The choice of fabric as a medium reflects a growing interest in making art accessible and integrating it into domestic spaces. By examining archival materials such as design journals, exhibition catalogues, and contemporary reviews, one can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural significance of textiles like this one.