Fringe, Frog and Tassel: The Art of the Trimmings-Maker in Interior Decoration

by Annabel Westman

Overview

The first survey of the history, design and use of trimmings in the historic interior in Britain and Ireland which will become the standard work on the subject.

Trimmings have always provided a visual feast for the eye, an essential element in the grandeur and elegance of the interior and a major expense in the complete ensemble. This book will be a chronological survey of furnishing trimmings in the historic interior in Britain and Ireland and will examine the history, design and use of tassels, fringe, gimp, cord and braid (woven lace) from 1320-1970. Lavishly illustrated using new photography, the images will support a substantial text with references to extensive documentation, including inventories, bills, sale catalogs and other primary sources. The importance of the "laceman," the maker of these trimmings, will also be examined within an economic and social context together with his relationship to the upholsterer. The first of its kind, this publication will be the ultimate authority on the subject.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781781300756
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	01/14/2020
Series:	National Trust Series
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 11.20(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Annabel Westman is an independent textile historian and consultant and is the Executive Director of The Attingham Trust. Since 1980 she has specialized in the restoration of historic interiors for heritage bodies (including the National Trust, English Heritage, Historic Royal Palaces, museums and historic house trusts),researching original furnishing schemes and advising on their implementation. Over the years, she has worked on a broad range of projects, has lectured widely and has published many articles on furnishing textiles in some of the leading art history publications. She is a trustee and member of the interiors working group for the Stowe House Preservation Trust and was appointed a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1997.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. The Role of the Silkwoman 1320-1550
2. The Role of the Silkman 1550-1660
3. Baroque Exuberance 1660-1690
4. Baroque Embellishment 1690-1715
5. Palladian Restraint 1715-1760
6. Neoclassical Interlude 1760-1790
7. Regency Excess 1790-1830
8. Victorian Extravagance 1830-1880
9. Retrospection and Restraint 1880-1970
Glossary
Relative value of the pound 1450–1950
Notes
Picture credits
Select bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

an extraordinary work of dedicated scholarship … this book is an essential one for the library of anyone with a serious interest in country-house decoration.” —Jeremy Musson, Country Life

“Lavishly illustrated, with fascinating tales … [Westman] paints a vivid picture of how trimmings evolved throughout different ages and styles.” —The English Home

“…a triumph of research, textual and visual, with a sustained attention to detail. Richly illustrated and packed with information, it looks set to become the standard text in its field.” —Christopher Stocks, House & Garden

“…simultaneously highly erudite and richly luxurious…” —Michael Hall, The Victorian

“This is a sumptuous book, which traces the history of trimmings for furnishing and interior decoration in Britain and Ireland, … lavishly illustrated with new colour photography and impregnated with sound scholarship from the leading expert in the field.” —Lisa White, The Furniture History Society

“The book is a physical and beautifully visual distillation of Westman's knowledge, with lavish illustrations, frequently extending over two pages...a glorious, detailed and readable study… an invaluable tool to rediscover lost decoration.” —Susan Jenkins, The Georgian

“An immediate clue to the subject matter of this teasingly titled book is its beautiful presentation: what might be considered a niche topic is here revealed as an essential aspect of interior decoration and for long periods by far the most glamorous and conspicuously expensive… No scholar could be better placed than Annabel Westman to write this book, which is informed by forty years' experience of researching and implementing reinstallations of historic upholstery schemes. It will prove invaluable to a wide readership, including economic and social historians, historians of taste and interior decoration (not only of furniture and upholstery), curators and those engaged in historic reconstructions, as well as designers and decorators seeking inspiration. The book will not be superseded.” —Lucy Wood, The Burlington

From the Publisher