Materials from Patchwork Bedspread c. 1936

Frances Lichten made this study of patchwork bedspread materials with watercolor and graphite, we’re not sure when. It’s a beautiful, simple collection of patterns, each one distinct, yet they harmonize as a group. I find myself drawn to the floral pattern on the right, those deep reds and greens against the dark ground feel so lush. Notice how Lichten captured the texture of the fabric with such delicate strokes of watercolor. The way the colors bleed into each other creates a soft, almost dreamlike quality, inviting you to run your hand across the surface. I wonder if she collected these samples, or if she was imagining these patterns into being? This piece makes me think of Anni Albers and her approach to weaving, elevating a domestic craft to high art. Both artists share a dedication to exploring the tactile and visual possibilities of textiles, reminding us that beauty can be found in the everyday. It’s a gentle reminder to appreciate the skill and artistry embedded in the objects that surround us.