Detail of Bedspread Pattern 1935 - 1942

This is a design for a bedspread pattern, made by Majel G. Claflin, likely in the early 20th century. It's rendered in gouache, an opaque watercolor paint, on paper. The pattern features stylized floral motifs in a vibrant palette of reds, yellows, pinks, and greens. The gouache gives the colors a matte, velvety quality. This was a popular medium for textile design during this period, allowing for precise color matching and clear representation of intricate patterns. Claflin’s design reflects a growing trend of the time: bringing handcraft traditions to industrial production, as a way to improve people's lives through ‘good design’. This reflects a moment when designers sought to bridge the gap between the handmade and the machine-made. Consider the skilled labor involved in translating this design into a finished bedspread. The pattern could be printed onto fabric using a variety of techniques, from screen printing to mechanized looms. Understanding the labor and industrial processes involved in reproducing this design adds another layer of appreciation for Claflin’s artistry and the cultural context in which it was created.