Servet van linnendamast met klimop c. 1904

This linen damask cloth with ivy design was made by Chris Lebeau, though we don’t know when. Just imagine Lebeau at his workbench, patiently creating the design for this damask cloth. The whole thing, the cloth, with its woven ivy motif, is so delicate, so precise. The design is amazing: a square border of stylized ivy leaves with delicate, evenly-spaced motifs in the center. I am in awe of the technical skill. Was this a commission, or a labor of love? Was he thinking about nature, about the way ivy climbs and clings? I think back to the Arts and Crafts movement and the desire to bring art into everyday life. It’s a beautiful and thoughtful thing, and also a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places. It makes me want to slow down and pay attention to the beauty that surrounds us.