Textile Sample Book 18th - 19th century

This is a textile sample book by Morant and Co. It shows possible designs for interior decoration, using various kinds of passementerie - that’s a French term for ornamental trimming like tassels, braids, and cords. The samples demonstrate many labor-intensive techniques; knotting, looping, twisting, and wrapping. All these operations can be done by hand, or with relatively simple machines. The choice really depends on the desired quality, and of course the price point. Looking closely, you’ll notice that this book is all about surface. These trims would have been applied to furniture, curtains, and other domestic textiles. They bring visual interest, and also a tactile dimension. In the nineteenth century, when this sample book was made, such embellishments were extremely popular. Think of all the hours of work, all the nimble fingers involved, and you realize that this seemingly modest object represents a whole world of production. So next time you see ornament like this, remember to think about the hands that made it, and the social context from which it emerged.