Skirt panel 1749

This skirt panel was designed by Anna Maria Garthwaite, an English textile designer in the 18th century. Garthwaite lived during a period of immense social change, as London became a global center of trade and the merchant class gained more power. Garthwaite's designs were highly sought after by the elite, who used textiles to display their wealth and status. While Garthwaite herself experienced a degree of economic independence through her work, the production of silk textiles relied on a global network of exploitation, including enslaved labor in the colonies and low-wage workers in Europe. The elaborate floral patterns seen in the skirt panel reflect the era's fascination with the natural world. Garthwaite's designs often drew inspiration from botanical illustrations and incorporated exotic flowers from around the world. This skirt panel stands as a reminder of the complex interplay between art, commerce, and social inequality in the 18th century. While the beauty of the fabric might catch our eye, it’s worth thinking about the lives and labor required to create such luxury.