Upholstery Fabric c. 19th century

This length of upholstery fabric, of unknown date and maker, presents a compelling view into the hierarchies of design and labor. Notice the deep red velvet ground. This is a complex textile to produce, requiring a specialized loom to weave the cut pile. The design is then applied to this ground, using a labor-intensive brocading technique. The pattern of floral wreaths and medallions would have been painstakingly woven into the velvet. Its soft pile has a wonderful depth and sheen, while the brocaded elements feel precise and crisp. Consider the social context; textiles like this were commissioned by wealthy patrons to adorn their homes, as a signifier of taste and status. Yet the labor that went into its creation – from the cultivation of raw materials, to the skilled weavers who brought it to life – is largely invisible. Acknowledging the intensive processes involved in its production asks us to reconsider the hierarchies we often impose between "art" and "craft," inviting us to appreciate the artistry embedded in everyday objects.