The Fair Isle Jumper by Stanley Cursiter, 1923 Nothing says warmth like a cozy wool sweater but it took’ thousands of years of selective breeding to get it.’ Ancient’ sheep bear little resemblance to today’s wool sheep, selectively bred for their fine coats. Like other domestic animals, humans bred sheep for different traits to develop the breeds we…
Category Archives: TEXTILES IN HISTORY
Robe à la française, France, block-printed cotton, c. 1770. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Next in our history series is cotton. The history of cotton is the history of trade and industry with a lot of politics and economics thrown in. Now the most prevalent fabric in the world, it’s humble beginnings…
This will be the first in a series of blog posts where we will take a closer look at natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, and wool, and their journey through the ages. Today, natural fabrics can be found in all shapes, styles, and forms from basic undergarments to high end fashion. In decades past,…
In 1794, Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. Perhaps no other historical fact has been so ingrained into my mind as this. Year after year, I would learn about the infamous cotton gin and it’s epic impact on America as we know it. The all-mighty cotton gin makes it seems that life, or proper living,…
Fencing Doublet. 1580. The Doublet jumped into the fashion scene around the middle of the 14th century. We are turning our attention to this article of clothing today to examine its essential role in fashion history. Doublets were worn for over 300 years and considered a staple in menswear. Although the shapes and cuts changed…
The Seven Sacraments. Rogier van der Weyden. 1445-50. We are turning our attention to the Gothic fitted dress today and its appearance throughout the mid-1300s until the mid-1400s. Our goal is to give an overview of this style while providing images as visual aids. Making your own is quite an ambitious undertaking, but it…
Portrait of Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, oil on panel. Attributed to Steven van Herwijck. 1560s. Western European fashion experienced quite a change from 1550-1600. The Renaissance brought in a wave of art and culture that swept over Europe and is visible in the fashion of both men and women. Our clearest and most…
Today, we are focusing on a single artist in order to more carefully examine the Renaissance period. Titian created great works of art that featured highly expressive figures that exemplified the “rebirth” spreading throughout Italy and Europe. Titian’s figures graced his altarpieces, portraits, mythologies, and pastoral landscapes. Tiziano Vecillio (ca. 1488-1576), known as Titian, is…
Portrait of Giovanna degli Albizzi Tornabuoni. Domenico Ghirlandaio. c. 1488/1490, tempura on panel. The Portrait of Giovanna degli Albizzi Tornabuoni by Domenico Ghirlandaio captures the beauty of this young women and carries more meaning than one may suspect. The historical significance of this notable work of art from the Early Renaissance reveals insightful keys…
"Lady with a Unicorn," Raphael, c. 1505, Oil on wood, 65 x 51 cm, Galleria Borghese, Rome. Lady with a Unicorn (c.1505) by Raphael captures viewers who meet the gaze of this young woman with feelings of intrigue and wonder. Her beauty is undoubtedly honored in this portrait, which…
Name: Isabella Rose Occupation: Student and works at the Faire. What is your duty at the Faire? "I serve in her majesty’s household." Isabella was hard at work when we stopped by to say hello. Working at the Faire seems like a fun job in a great environment! Are you wearing a hand sewn costume?…
Name: Rapunzel Years at the Faire: 15 years Duties at the Faire: Participates in four parades and serves tea for the queen. Rapunzel also makes times to run two fun workshops! She teaches the "Sweet Dreams and Sachets" and the"Mortar and Pestle" workshop. Did you sew the lovely outfit you are wearing? "I purchased everything…
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