Item Detail

One hundred years after it was born, the American Arts and Crafts style -- made famous by designers such as Gustav Stickley and Greene & Greene -- remains enormously popular. But while the architecture and furniture have received most of the attention, the colorful table linens, curtains, pillows, clothing, and other textiles have been largely overlooked. This lavishly illustrated volume will delight the eye and become the standard reference on these treasures from our past.

Especially valuable are the book's rare photographs, some showing the textiles in period settings. There is a wealth of important historical information, and sections on needlework techniques and caring for antique textiles. The striking designs themselves and the interiors in which they are pictured will provide inspiration for decorators, designers, collectors, and needlecrafters alike.

Often the Arts and Crafts movement is recognized by its architectural and furniture design, which evolved from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries and was epitomized by designers such as Gustav Stickley. However, this stylistic and philosophical movement encompassed the entire household, including the linen closet. This book provides a comprehensive study of the textile arts of this period, which are often overlooked. The four authors are all textile specialists involved with Arts and Crafts restoration. Following the development of the movement, from William Morris to American Colonial Revival style, they effectively portray the convergence of influences and the development of the style. They also show how the growth of home ownership, craft schools, and popular kits and instructions lent to the hearty adoption of the Arts and Crafts style by the American middle class. A final chapter on the care and restoration of antique textiles is quite useful. Unfortunately, the quality of the illustrations is inconsistent some are excellent, being both large and detailed, while others, especially the reproductions of period publications, are woefully small. However, there are no comparable books devoted solely to Arts and Crafts textiles, and this one covers the subject admirably. Recommended for larger public libraries. Karen Ellis, Nicholson Memorial Lib. Syst., Garland, TX Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.