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Not currently on display at the V&A

Margery

Furnishing Fabric
1913 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This printed linen fabric entitled ‘Margery’ was designed by the Omega Workshops in 1913. Printed in Rouen in France, it is an early example of the application of abstract art to a British textile.

The Omega Workshops were founded by Roger Fry (1866-1934). Together with Vanessa Bell (1879-1961), Duncan Grant (1885-1978) and other artist friends, he designed furniture, ceramics and fabrics between 1913 and 1919. The organisation was an artistic rather than a business venture. Its clientele was limited to wealthy London bohemians.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMargery (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Linen, printed with wood and metal blocks
Brief description
Printed linen, 1913.
Physical description
Cone shapes filled in with brushstrokes in purple, yellow, green, light blue and rust. The same design as T.386-1913, T.386A-1913, T.243-1931, T.291-1995, CIRC.3-1932 and CIRC.423-1966.
Dimensions
  • Length: 77.6cm
  • Width: 55.8cm
  • Height: 65cm (framed)
  • Width: 87cm (framed)
  • Depth: 4cm (framed)
Style
Credit line
Given by Roger E. Fry
Object history
(MA/1/F1493, 13/5540 M) A.F.Kendrick minute to director on 4 Dec 1913 notes gift of seven pieces of modern printed fabrics to Museum: 'Seven specimens of "post-impressionism" as applied to the printing of linen fabrics were lent by Mr Fry to Mr Lindsay to show at his evening lectures here. I asked if he would give them (as they may become great curiosities in the future) and he consents. If you agree to their acceptance I will put the usual procedure into practice.' Applied to T.386-T.390-1913.
Summary
This printed linen fabric entitled ‘Margery’ was designed by the Omega Workshops in 1913. Printed in Rouen in France, it is an early example of the application of abstract art to a British textile.

The Omega Workshops were founded by Roger Fry (1866-1934). Together with Vanessa Bell (1879-1961), Duncan Grant (1885-1978) and other artist friends, he designed furniture, ceramics and fabrics between 1913 and 1919. The organisation was an artistic rather than a business venture. Its clientele was limited to wealthy London bohemians.
Bibliographic references
  • Samuels, Charlotte. Art Deco Textiles. London : V&A Publications, 2003. Plate 75.
  • Beyond Bloomsbury. Designs of the Omega Workshops 1913-19, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 2009, p. 126, cat. 38B.
Collection
Accession number
T.386B-1913

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Record createdSeptember 11, 2002
Record URL
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