'Capricious Fancy. Draping and Curtaining the Historic Interior, 1800-1930'. Fabrics and books, timeless treasures

‘Not all books are created equa’. There are so many different ways to tell a story. It is also true that in today’s market there are many and many decorative and impressive fabrics. And then, among this great variety, we can find a priceless treasure like this one: “Capricious Fancy. Draping and Curtaining the Historic Interior, 1800-1930”. This fascinating book that has captivated us, relates the continues changes in the curtaining process and the interior design trends thought the 19th century and the Industrial Revolution. The book that points out that in every single home and in all modern societies, they have had, they are having and they will have… curtains.

We are very excited! Some days ago, the book “Capricious Fancy. Draping and Curtaining the Historic Interior, 1800-1930” fell into our hands. The book was published in 2012. Thanks to 325 images and comments, this book is not only a source of inspiration for interior designers, museum curators, conservators and restorators, and for those of us who simply love the Decor.

With its phenomenal and narrative sophistication, “Capricious Fancy” describes in detail the changing deco style in interior design, focusing on drapery, in the US and Europe during the Industrial Revolution.

It is an unique compilation with hundreds of illustrations, the majority of them in full colour. These designs are reproduced from more than one hundred of sewing pattern catalogues, craft and dress books and much more examples from selected design literature. Just to name some, it encloses illustrations from the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, including Samuel J. Dornsife, from the Victorian Society in America.

From Paris to London, from London to New York, from New York to Philadelphia… This precious book and textile library shows us both the industry development and the interior design trends of the period. It is a detailed description of the sense of taste of the era, from professionals and craftsmen to housewives; drawing with light the gender differences and purchasing power that were running in parallel, and focusing and accentuating the gap between wealth and poverty.

And that’s how, turning over its pages and browsing the book we are transported to 1800 …. Rediscovering the curtaining process and technique, the way it was used to decorate and to protect against the cold and windy winter, and also to be protected from indiscreet stares. This is the history of major changes in home building and decorating, always lead by technological advances, textile production processes and fashion trends through the 19th century. Realizing of the vital importance and the role that curtains have played, are playing and will play in our daily routine .

We love “Capricious Fancy. Draping and Curtaining the Historic Interior, 1800-1930”. We cannot let this unique book slip thought our hands!