Staal gordijnstof naar ontwerp van Theo Nieuwenhuis in passe-partout c. 1910

This curtain fabric design was created by Theo Nieuwenhuis, probably in the early 20th century. Its materiality speaks volumes about design's shifting role in society at that time. The design is jacquard-woven, a complex process that uses a special loom to lift each warp thread independently, allowing for intricate patterns. This was cutting-edge technology in its day, and highlights the fusion of industrial production with artistic creation. The fabric itself, with its floral motif, is a blend of tradition and modernity. The design hints at the Arts and Crafts movement's emphasis on nature, but the machine-made production aligns it with industrial progress. The term "gordijnstof" simply means curtain fabric. The material is inextricably linked to social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Nieuwenhuis's design embodies a pivotal moment when designers began to mediate between industry and aesthetics.