Saturday, March 20, 2010

Toile de Jouy

An enchanting fabric, popular in the reign of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, has enjoyed a comeback. Here is a little history:

In the 1770’s Oberkamp produced his first toile. The timing for its introduction was serendipitous. It adhered to the style that is now known as Louis XVI (1774-1792). On the whole, this style was a reaction against the excessive and bizarre fancies of the Louis XV era. Louis XVI returned to the classic ideals. Printed cloth, in particular those known as toiles, became very popular during this era.

Due to the designs that Oberkamp chose for his toiles, it is no surprise that his operation was designated a royal manufactory in 1783. In honor of the occasion, Oberkamp commissioned a special historical toile to celebrate this event. (Read More)

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7 comments:

Julygirl said...

An easy fabric to use because its design blends with many decorating styles.

Lucy said...

I love this fabric. I enjoy using pieces of it in my artwork as well. It's beautiful.

elena maria vidal said...

I love it, too, and have it in my living room.

tubbs said...

I have always thought that toile was something that reminded my of a granny's boudoir. But lately I've had this diabolic urge to find some naughty toile - something bawdy for the powder room, to startle the sensabilities of, say a visiting vicar, or annoying blue-stocking matron.

... but then if kiddies came to visit, one would have to send them trapsing elsewhere thru the house to use another toidee - and that could be a nuiscance.

elena maria vidal said...

You naughty boy....

Daniel Espinoza said...

Thank's
Me gusto mucho el blog, y esta entrada. te tengo en mi lista de Blogs.
http://sedconsolacion.blogspot.com

Space Angel said...

Do you know how this fabric was used for windows originally? How was it draped? Thanks, Myra