Art Institute of Chicago

Panel of Wool Furnishing Damask

England, Norwich or Spitalfields

Date

1740-80

Medium

Wool

Culture

England

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Damask is a weave structure in which the contrast of textures reveals the design woven into the fabric. Damask made of shiny silk is still used today for upholstery in formal interiors. Wool damask is less common today, but in the 18th century it was also used as an upholstery fabric for expensive furniture, particularly in England and America. The city of Norwich was an important center for wool weaving, and was known for the vivid colors that local dyers achieved, like the cherry red of this example.

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