Encyclopedia of furnishing textiles, floorcoverings and home furnishing practices, 1200-1950

The Encyclopedia of Furnishing Textiles is an accessible and comprehensive reference work describing the furnishing textiles, soft furnishings and floor coverings used in Western domestic interiors over the period 1200-1950.Included with descriptions and histories are details of the manufacture, distribution and consumption of furnishing goods. The encyclopedia incorporates details of most historic furnishing practices (which have often been dealt with only individually), and benefits from extensive consultation of primary or out-of-print sources to show how the products were viewed historically. The book includes nearly 1200 entries covering generic topics such as woven textiles, printed textiles, embroidered textiles, tapestry, painted clothes, yarns, dyes, carpets, rugs, non-woven fabrics, oil-cloths, wall materials, upholstery materials, loose covers, trimmings (passementeries), beds, cushions and many more. Entries vary according to their role and importance, but usually include a description, historical explanations of use, technical details, and primary and secondary source material.A companion volume to the author's Encyclopedia of Furniture Materials, Trades and Techniques, this book will be an essential resource for students, historians, curators, textile designers, interior designers, conservators and collectors.