Barkcloth was the textile of choice for window treatments, upholstery, and other household textiles of the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. This book explores barkcloth's enduring appeal in almost 300 full-color images, demonstrating its scintillating combination of pattern, texture, and color. Lovers of vintage textiles and retro-design will relish this exploration. These vintage beauties are organized by florals, tropicals, leaves, abstracts, novelty, and conversational prints. Information about dating and identifying fabrics and manufacturers, along with tips on buying, restoring, and using these ever-popular fabrics, are invaluable for any collector or dealer.

"This book is based on research in museum collections and on fieldwork in Polynesia and Fiji ..."--Page 3.

An essential sourcebook of prints from a key fashion decade. The 1950s was the decade when an analytical approach to design, with a lightness and freshness, combined with whimsical imagery and idiosyncratic subject matter. Showcasing hundreds of print designs, this book celebrates the heyday of postwar fashion design. From Lucienne Day and Robert Stewart to Maija Isola of Marimekko, the designs and influences of the print icons of the time are all covered. In addition to finished prints, the book contains exclusive illustrations and original artworks. The major themes of the period are explored, including: narrative and novelty; abstraction, exploring the distorted and attenuated forms used in print; artistic licence and the influence of contemporary art on fashion print; and finally kinetic prints that capture the influence of the era’s ‘mobiles, doodles and spasms’. Each short chapter introduction is followed by a range of illustrations with captions to give provenance and relevance, making this a unique sourcebook for contemporary designers and students.

With over 200 color photographs, this book showcases the beautiful array of patterns, colors, and motifs used in the barkcloth of the past. It is a valuable resource for designs, collectors, dealers, and anyone interested in collecting, restoring, and, most of all, enjoying these wonderful fabrics.