Wednesday 21 July 2010

The Rise of Children's Textiles in the 1920s & 1930s

















'Interesting new designs were first created for children's clothing and decor during the 1920s and 1930s. Cheerful fabric creations were produced especially for the very young; and it is hard to imagine that they did not exist until relatively recent times. Early juvenile prints are charming, with colourful themes such as children at play, fairy tales, cartoon characters and pets. These prints are avidly collected today..' Antique Frencxh Textiles For Designers by June K Laval.

Here are some examples from the period, the cats and Red Riding Hood (thanks Lizzie) pieces were lucky finds at Ardingly Antiques Fair yesterday.

11 comments:

  1. Lovely, lovely fabrics for children.....so sweet and innocent.
    Of course, the red toile has to be my favourite.....followed by the blue...
    Julie x

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  2. wonderful photos, great to see you too. Lizzie x

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  3. I have a lovely print with Little Red Riding Hood, but I was not aware that these prints were not made until the 1920's and 1930's. I love the last one with the sweet animals. I am wondering if these should not be used, but merely kept as is and preserved as a unique collectible.

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  4. I would be interested in seeing a photo of your Red Riding hood print Phyllis, I love to see different contemporary versions of thse type of fabrics. There is a strong market for collecting these fabrics, whenever they surface they seem to be snapped up by eager collectors, but I also believe it is really valid to use scraps for household projects, particularly for childrens rooms, as that is the intended function of the fabric, and what better way to preserve it than to use it in a way that gives pleasure as intended! xx

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  5. Well, Lois, this is actually a vintage piece that I have and found at an antique shop. It is not with me in Mendocino, but when I return to Portland I will send you a photo. I will look and see if I have it in my computer photos. I just love that toile too!! Are you going to be selling these on ebay?

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  6. I shall look forward to seeing those photos! I have sold most of these, but have kept a piece of my favourites. I am always on the lookout for similar fabrics, and have a contact who is currently clearing out a huge disued rag store in France, so these gorgeous scraps keep turning up!

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  7. Hi Lois, I am going to post my print today. It is actually a series of children's tales in pictures on the textile. Maybe you have some insight too!

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  8. Oh your fabrics are exquisite, what a joy that must be, finding scraps that are in fact treasures. I wonder would you mind if I posted the close-up shot of your red toile, the one showing the house, as inspiration for a miniature house project? Of course I would link it to your site. Please say yes?

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  9. Hi Margaret, Yes of course, it will be my pleasure! xxx

    Phyllis, I have been away for a few days but I will hot-foot it over to your blog straight away... xxx!

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  10. Beautiful fabrics. The one with Little Red Riding Hood reminds me of my bedroom curtains when I was a little girl in the sixties. The wolf always scared me ;) Unfortunately I no longer have the fabric.

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