Lecture and Object Handling: Understanding Eighteenth-Century Textiles with Annabel Westman

This presentation will commence with a lecture on the use of furnishing textiles in the British country house during the eighteenth century. The lecture will explain the different types of silk, wool and cotton fabrics available, and the importance of their designs, colours and textures on wall-hangings, upholstered furniture and beds.

It will be followed by an object handling session with reproduction fabrics from historic projects, including velvet and damask, moreen and camlet (popular contemporary terminology will be explained!), and a discussion of simple weave structures, different finishes and techniques which were used to enhance the importance of the rooms and reflect the status and wealth of the owner.

Annabel will present an engaging and thought-provoking lecture, followed by an interactive, object-handling session, where guests are able to examine a variety of textiles from her private collection.

Annabel Westman FSA is an independent textile historian and consultant based in the UK. For over 45 years she has specialised in researching textile furnishings in a wide variety of historic houses, museums and royal palaces in the UK and abroad, and has been instrumental in their replacement. She has been involved in the research and provided specifications for the restoration of a number of historic interiors and their grand beds, including those at Dumfries and Harewood. Her research has been based on examination of the surviving structures, archival documentation and other contemporary sources. She has lectured widely and written extensively in academic journals. Her book Fringe, Frog and Tassel: The Art of the Trimmings-Maker in Interior Decoration was published in November 2019. Annabel is also Director Emerita of The Attingham Trust, for the study of historic houses and collections.

Your ticket includes tea or Market Lane coffee served before the presentation, and time to browse our exclusive range of books, gifts, and homewares at TJC Emporium.

This event is presented on-site at The Johnston Collection. Please see your ticket for details. NOTE: Tickets for this event do not include access to our exhibition-house, Fairhall. Guided tours of the current exhibition can be booked separately.

This event is generously supported by The Sir Wilfred and C H (Roger) Brookes Charitable Trust and the Colin Holden Charitable Trust.

Image: The Drawing Room at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire, NTPL 1363518 ©National Trust Images/Paul Barker.