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Fabric Collection (#10)

"Unraveling the Threads of History: A Journey through the World of Fabric" From the intricate details of the Shroud of Turin in Chiesa della SS

Background imageFabric Collection: Family Life, 1865

Family Life, 1865
3479041 Family Life, 1865; (add.info.: Family life. Mother and one daughter are shown sewing, while another pours the tea. London, dated 1865.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageFabric Collection: Threading a sewing needle, 1849

Threading a sewing needle, 1849
3479040 Threading a sewing needle, 1849; (add.info.: Illustration shows an old lady having difficulty threading a sewing needle. Dated 1849.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageFabric Collection: Woman spinning with a Jersey Wheel, 1836

Woman spinning with a Jersey Wheel, 1836
3479122 Woman spinning with a Jersey Wheel, 1836; (add.info.: Woman spinning with a Jersey Wheel - used for wool and cotton)

Background imageFabric Collection: German silk workers working at a loom

German silk workers working at a loom
3480221 German silk workers working at a loom; (add.info.: 18th century, German silk workers working at a loom. By Johann Miel 1733-1805.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageFabric Collection: Arkwright's water frame spinning machine, 1878

Arkwright's water frame spinning machine, 1878
3480202 Arkwright's water frame spinning machine, 1878; (add.info.: Diagram of Arkwright's water frame; 1878. The water frame is the name given to a water-powered spinning frame which was an)

Background imageFabric Collection: The working mechanism of the bobbin net machine, 1850

The working mechanism of the bobbin net machine, 1850
3480192 The working mechanism of the bobbin net machine, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the working mechanism of the bobbin net machine. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageFabric Collection: The hand raising the nap on woollen cloth, 1850

The hand raising the nap on woollen cloth, 1850
3480185 The hand raising the nap on woollen cloth, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the hand raising the nap of woollen cloth using Teazles fitted in frames)

Background imageFabric Collection: The Saltaire; model textile factory, 1850

The Saltaire; model textile factory, 1850
3480174 The Saltaire; model textile factory, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the Saltaire; model textile factory founded by Titus Salt (1803-1876)

Background imageFabric Collection: Emigrants to Australia, 1850

Emigrants to Australia, 1850
3480170 Emigrants to Australia, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting emigrants to Australia taking their first crop of wool from the Blue Mountains to Sydney)

Background imageFabric Collection: Women weaving on a vertical loom

Women weaving on a vertical loom
3480166 Women weaving on a vertical loom; (add.info.: Illustration depicting women winding and weaving wool on a vertical loom. The sheep from which the wool has been shorn are shown on the right)

Background imageFabric Collection: A carding engine, 1850

A carding engine, 1850
3480150 A carding engine, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting a carding engine. Carding is the process that disentangles; cleans; and intermixes the woollen fibres)

Background imageFabric Collection: Spitalfields silk weaver and his wife, 1893

Spitalfields silk weaver and his wife, 1893
3480209 Spitalfields silk weaver and his wife, 1893; (add.info.: Spitalfields silk weaver and his wife showing a visitor their family records)

Background imageFabric Collection: An 18th century trading ship is depicted in a Royal tapestry from the Gobelins, c.1720 (tapestry)

An 18th century trading ship is depicted in a Royal tapestry from the Gobelins, c.1720 (tapestry)
3507816 An 18th century trading ship is depicted in a Royal tapestry from the Gobelins, c.1720 (tapestry); Universal History Archive

Background imageFabric Collection: Unfinished Confederate shoes

Unfinished Confederate shoes
3056337 Unfinished Confederate shoes; New York State Military Museum, Saratoga Springs, NY, USA; (add.info.: American Civil War)

Background imageFabric Collection: Travelling salesman

Travelling salesman
2602703 Travelling salesman; (add.info.: Travelling salesman showing strong check material made of hemp to a housewife. Once a speciality of Wigan)

Background imageFabric Collection: Typical fashion of the 19th Century, 1850

Typical fashion of the 19th Century, 1850
3359151 Typical fashion of the 19th Century, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting typical fashion of the 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageFabric Collection: Economy. Leather production: tanning by an electric machine. Imagery from a series on the Wonder

Economy. Leather production: tanning by an electric machine. Imagery from a series on the Wonder of Electricity
2638753 Economy. Leather production: tanning by an electric machine. Imagery from a series on the Wonder of Electricity, France, c.1910.; Private Collection; (add.info.: Economie. Coll)

Background imageFabric Collection: Women making up sewing thread into balls, 1845

Women making up sewing thread into balls, 1845
3478860 Women making up sewing thread into balls, 1845; (add.info.: Women making up sewing thread into balls, London, circa 1845.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageFabric Collection: Textile mill; girls on their way home after work, 1850

Textile mill; girls on their way home after work, 1850
3478859 Textile mill; girls on their way home after work, 1850; (add.info.: Leeds, England, 19th century textile mill; girls on their way home after work.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageFabric Collection: A young boy and woman spinning silk, 1850

A young boy and woman spinning silk, 1850
3478721 A young boy and woman spinning silk, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting a young boy and woman spinning silk. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageFabric Collection: Otto Gas Engine, c.1867 (engraving)

Otto Gas Engine, c.1867 (engraving)
1720831 Otto Gas Engine, c.1867 (engraving); (add.info.: The Otto engine was a large stationary single-cylinder internal combustion four-stroke engine designed by the German Nicolaus Otto)

Background imageFabric Collection: Trade card for W Venables & Co, drapers, silk mercers and haberdashers, London (engraving)

Trade card for W Venables & Co, drapers, silk mercers and haberdashers, London (engraving)
8677634 Trade card for W Venables & Co, drapers, silk mercers and haberdashers, London (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Trade card for W Venables & Co)

Background imageFabric Collection: Receipt from O H Hughes & Co, London (engraving)

Receipt from O H Hughes & Co, London (engraving)
8677426 Receipt from O H Hughes & Co, London (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Receipt from O H Hughes & Co's hosiery, gloves, Indian bandana)

Background imageFabric Collection: Frank Crossley, English politician (engraving)

Frank Crossley, English politician (engraving)
8676732 Frank Crossley, English politician (engraving) by Pound, Daniel John. (fl.1860); Private Collection; (add.info.: Frank Crossley (1817-1872), English carpet manufacturer

Background imageFabric Collection: Queen Victoria's visit to Leeds (engraving)

Queen Victoria's visit to Leeds (engraving)
8676519 Queen Victoria's visit to Leeds (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Queen Victoria's visit to Leeds)

Background imageFabric Collection: Advertisement for Wiggins & Goodale clothing (colour litho)

Advertisement for Wiggins & Goodale clothing (colour litho)
8677487 Advertisement for Wiggins & Goodale clothing (colour litho) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Advertisement for Wiggins & Goodale clothing, Watertown)

Background imageFabric Collection: Royal Naval uniform: pattern 1843, c.1843 (textile)

Royal Naval uniform: pattern 1843, c.1843 (textile)
7339915 Royal Naval uniform: pattern 1843, c.1843 (textile) by British School, (19th century); 99.5x49.3 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageFabric Collection: Royal Naval uniform: pattern 1836, c.1836 (wool, silk, cotton, base metal)

Royal Naval uniform: pattern 1836, c.1836 (wool, silk, cotton, base metal)
7339911 Royal Naval uniform: pattern 1836, c.1836 (wool, silk, cotton, base metal) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); 122.5x60.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Unknown Artist)

Background imageFabric Collection: Gloves, 1845 (cotton)

Gloves, 1845 (cotton)
7295498 Gloves, 1845 (cotton); 19x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Two knitted cotton gloves belonging to a member of Sir John Franklin's 1845 Arctic expedition)

Background imageFabric Collection: Tapestry. Enghien. Power (Machten, Croy). Text 'ESPOIR VAINCRA CROY 1589'

Tapestry. Enghien. Power (Machten, Croy). Text "ESPOIR VAINCRA CROY 1589"
7207355 Tapestry. Enghien. Power (Machten, Croy). Text "ESPOIR VAINCRA CROY 1589".; Centre Culturel d'Enghien, Hainaut, Belgium; (add.info.: Centre Culturel d'Enghien)

Background imageFabric Collection: Museum collection (Tresor de la cathedrale). Chasuble (Chasuble de Jean Chevrot). 15th century

Museum collection (Tresor de la cathedrale). Chasuble (Chasuble de Jean Chevrot). 15th century. Front
7142450 Museum collection (Tresor de la cathedrale). Chasuble (Chasuble de Jean Chevrot). 15th century. Front.; (add.info.: Tresor de la cathedrale, Tournai, Hainaut, Belgium); © Paul Maeyaert

Background imageFabric Collection: Museum collection (Tresor de la cathedrale). Chasuble (Chasuble de Jean Chevrot). 15th century

Museum collection (Tresor de la cathedrale). Chasuble (Chasuble de Jean Chevrot). 15th century. Rear end. Detail
7142447 Museum collection (Tresor de la cathedrale). Chasuble (Chasuble de Jean Chevrot). 15th century. Rear end. Detail.; (add.info.: Tresor de la cathedrale, Tournai, Hainaut)

Background imageFabric Collection: Museum collection (Tresor de la cathedrale). Chasuble (Chasuble de Jean Chevrot). 15th century

Museum collection (Tresor de la cathedrale). Chasuble (Chasuble de Jean Chevrot). 15th century. Rear end. Detail
7142446 Museum collection (Tresor de la cathedrale). Chasuble (Chasuble de Jean Chevrot). 15th century. Rear end. Detail.; (add.info.: Tresor de la cathedrale, Tournai, Hainaut)

Background imageFabric Collection: A stumpwork panel depicting Susannah and the Elders, c.1640-1680 (stumpwork)

A stumpwork panel depicting Susannah and the Elders, c.1640-1680 (stumpwork)
7141210 A stumpwork panel depicting Susannah and the Elders, c.1640-1680 (stumpwork); 48.5x54 cm; Parham House, West Sussex, UK; (add.info.: The panel tells the story of Susannah and the Elders)

Background imageFabric Collection: Sir Joseph Banks presents Omiah to Queen Charlotte, early 19th century (embroidery over engraving)

Sir Joseph Banks presents Omiah to Queen Charlotte, early 19th century (embroidery over engraving)
7141208 Sir Joseph Banks presents Omiah to Queen Charlotte, early 19th century (embroidery over engraving); 9x11.5 cm; Parham House, West Sussex

Background imageFabric Collection: Mrs Justinian Nutt, 1750s (oil on canvas)

Mrs Justinian Nutt, 1750s (oil on canvas)
7338006 Mrs Justinian Nutt, 1750s (oil on canvas) by British School, (18th Century); 76.2x63.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: British School)

Background imageFabric Collection: Bric-a-Brac from Damascus, Rome, and Seville 1880 (Oil on canvas)

Bric-a-Brac from Damascus, Rome, and Seville 1880 (Oil on canvas)
8766597 Bric-a-Brac from Damascus, Rome, and Seville 1880 (Oil on canvas) by Hall, George Henry (1825-1913); 88.9--121.6 cm; High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; © High Museum of Art

Background imageFabric Collection: Still Life with Apple and Pomegranate 1927 (Oil on canvas)

Still Life with Apple and Pomegranate 1927 (Oil on canvas)
8766551 Still Life with Apple and Pomegranate 1927 (Oil on canvas) by Stella, Joseph (1877-1946); 38.1x45.7 cm; High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; © High Museum of Art

Background imageFabric Collection: Woman spinning. Dynasty Ch'ing or manchu. Chinese art, 18th century. Print

Woman spinning. Dynasty Ch'ing or manchu. Chinese art, 18th century. Print
AIS5386904 Woman spinning. Dynasty Ch'ing or manchu. Chinese art, 18th century. Print.; Bernisches Historisches Museum, Bern, Switzerland

Background imageFabric Collection: Decree of the Constitution of Cadiz, August 7, 1812 (manuscript)

Decree of the Constitution of Cadiz, August 7, 1812 (manuscript)
AIS5367267 Decree of the Constitution of Cadiz, August 7, 1812 (manuscript); Army Museum, Madrid, Spain; (add.info.: Armee Museum, Madrid.); © Iberfoto

Background imageFabric Collection: Franc maconnerie : tablier de maitre maconnique. Il est decore des symboles francs macons

Franc maconnerie : tablier de maitre maconnique. Il est decore des symboles francs macons
AIS5385602 Franc maconnerie : tablier de maitre maconnique. Il est decore des symboles francs macons, Musee du Grand Orient et de la Franc maconnerie europeenne. Paris; © Iberfoto

Background imageFabric Collection: Two old women with a textile spinning loom, Rural France 1900 (b/w photo)

Two old women with a textile spinning loom, Rural France 1900 (b/w photo)
UIG5635644 Two old women with a textile spinning loom, Rural France 1900 (b/w photo)

Background imageFabric Collection: Jon Arason's Chasuble, 16th century (textile)

Jon Arason's Chasuble, 16th century (textile)
5304954 Jon Arason's Chasuble, 16th century (textile); (add.info.: Jon Arason's Chasuble, an ornate sleeveless outer vestment worn by a Catholic or High Anglican priest when celebrating Mass)

Background imageFabric Collection: Tailcoat and Waistcoat, 1790 (textile)

Tailcoat and Waistcoat, 1790 (textile)
5304597 Tailcoat and Waistcoat, 1790 (textile); (add.info.: Coat (tailcoat) and waistcoat, About 1790, England. Coat: Wool with buttons covered with silk thread. Waistcoat: printed silk

Background imageFabric Collection: 19th Century traditional Icelandic formal clothing

19th Century traditional Icelandic formal clothing
5304716 19th Century traditional Icelandic formal clothing.; (add.info.: Icelandic, 19th century, traditional, ladies, formal clothing. made of imported fabrics embroidered in gold or silver thread)

Background imageFabric Collection: Joseph Marie Jacquard (1752-1834), 19th century (chromo)

Joseph Marie Jacquard (1752-1834), 19th century (chromo)
JAB5037197 Joseph Marie Jacquard (1752-1834), 19th century (chromo); (add.info.: Joseph Marie Jacquard (1752-1834), French mechanic inventor of weaving.); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Background imageFabric Collection: Sheep sheering in Western Australia

Sheep sheering in Western Australia
5311933 Sheep sheering in Western Australia; (add.info.: Engraving depicting sheep sheering in Western Australia. Dated 19th century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageFabric Collection: A Chinese woman making stockings

A Chinese woman making stockings
5310172 A Chinese woman making stockings; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a Chinese woman making stockings. These were not knitted as in Europe, but made of sewn fabric and lined with cotton)




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"Unraveling the Threads of History: A Journey through the World of Fabric" From the intricate details of the Shroud of Turin in Chiesa della SS. Annunziata church, Turin to the iconic Bayeux Tapestry depicting scenes from 1066-1077, it has woven its way into our cultural heritage. In Paris, France, Europe, one can't help but marvel at the historical significance and religious symbolism behind these ancient textiles. The Shroud of Turin is believed by many to be Jesus Christ's burial cloth, while the Bayeux Tapestry vividly portrays events like the Battle of Hastings. But fabric isn't just a medium for storytelling; it also reflects societal changes and artistic expressions. Take Harvey Nichols' advertisement from 1953 - a testament to fashion's evolving trends and consumer desires. Traveling further afield brings us to Cairo's bustling streets captured by Charles Robertson's brushstrokes. Here we witness vibrant fabrics adorning locals as they go about their daily lives - an explosion of colors that mirrors Egypt's rich culture. Across continents, fabric continues to inspire creativity. Barribal's "A Golden Girl" showcases how this versatile material can be transformed into stunning works of art that transcend time and place. Delving deeper into different cultures reveals unique uses for fabric. From Muslim prayer carpets in Palestine Authority that provide comfort during worship to Costa Rican art celebrating indigenous traditions in Central America - each piece tells a story steeped in tradition and identity. Even closer to home lies everyday life captured through various lenses. Whether it be capturing moments with beloved pets or showcasing innovative designs like Art Gout Beaute’s 1924 creation Rubans de Paris on Maddox Street / St George Street – fabric becomes an integral part of our surroundings. Fabric threads together history, culture, artistry, and personal narratives across centuries and continents. It reminds us that beyond its practicality, a tapestry of human experiences.