Design for Curtains 1841 - 1884

This is a design for curtains made by Charles Hindley and Sons. Here, the window with its opulent drapery serves as a proscenium, framing the outside world. Note the elaborate pelmet overhead, adorned with classical motifs, echoing ancient Roman triumphal arches. The swagged curtains, gathered at the sides with tassels, lend a theatrical air, reminiscent of stage curtains about to reveal a dramatic scene. The window itself, as a symbol, is fascinating. Think back to Renaissance paintings where windows offer glimpses into distant landscapes, evoking longing and aspiration. Here, the window becomes a threshold, a passage between the private, interior space, and the external world. It is a motif that recurs across time, representing not just physical openings, but also psychological ones—opportunities for insight and transformation. It reminds us that our emotional responses to images are deeply rooted in cultural memory. These recurring motifs—the arch, the curtain, the window—engage our subconscious, stirring emotions tied to centuries of human experience.