The Washerwoman

Sunday 9 January 2011

A slice of Interior Decoration History


Some time ago I bought this folder at a Flea Market. Inside I was delighted to find these beautiful images of interiors. The artist is Watson Charlton, there is very little information about him. I would guess these images date from the 1920's or 30's.


On each page there are close up views of the textiles to be used to create such an interior. Sadly some of the pages are damaged by water so that the colours are not as crisp as they may be.


This one (above) is described as "Bradstowe" - Hollyhock Cretonne 3/6 per yard from Messrs Skinner and Son . 46 High Street, Broadstairs.




The Oak Dining Room has curtains made from "Egmont Taffeta" at 3/11 per yard from Messrs. Williamson and Cole, 26 High Street, Clapham, London.



Probably my favourite, this green bedroom . "The coolness of the green makes this a delightful room on the sunniest day, and the gay rose colour is bright at all times". The fabric used is Green Stripe Cretonne at 2/6 per yard from Waring and Gillow in Oxford Street, London.



Sadly the picture of this bedroom has got a lot of water damage, but I felt I had to include it as it so typical of the period between the wars.



"A Vieux Rose Bedroom" using "Old Bleach Linen, an ideal material for hangings and bedspread. Its softness makes such graceful folds that the simplest curtains look charming."


Above is "Tulip" Cretonne 2/6 per yard. It is used on the sofa and curtains in The Flower Room. (below) I love the description that accompany it. "Flower paintings, beside being a delight to the eye, can  be immensely important items in the furnishing of a room"


An English Room.



 This quintessentially English room is so evocative of the 1930's don't you think?
The fabric (below) is " Autumn Garland" Cretonne 2/11 per yard


"This Cottage Style room (below) will make many a housewife whisper: That is just the cheerful type of colour scheme our room wants" 


Lastly it is suggested that "Checks" are used for the kitchen. The curtains are made from "Sunregina Loom cotton and the paintwork is painted orange yellow, while the walls and ceiling are enamelled a lighter hue".

20 comments:

Hen said...

These are wonderful images, Liz. My favourite is the green and pink bedroom, too.
Hen xxx
P.S. I did have to laugh at your last comment, I know exactly what you mean about the Sth Circular, we live right near it so navigating it is a daily occurrence for me!

Josie-Mary said...

What a great find! :)

Anonymous said...

Gosh, I could move into that house tomorrow!

ted and bunny said...

you know, I could happily live in any of those rooms- even with the water damage!

Thanks for your email, glad the day had good results.
We sold on the stage in that hall ages back when there was a nice fleamarket started there.
It's a VERY good stage and we had a brilliant day, and so shall you next month!

See you Sunday for Shepton
xx

Unknown said...

What a great find,it is really interesting to see bygone eras. I have a 70's Laura Ashley book and it is amazing! I love the bedrooms best, especially the 1st one!

Sal said...

Aren't they all so beautiful?!!
What a fab find!
My fave is the green bedroom too!
Have a lovely week ;-)

fabriquefantastique said...

How delightful. I would happily live in anyone of those rooms today. First pic...I think Skinners was at the top of the High Street, opposite the railway station.

June said...

What an absolute fab book! What a find! I love the English Room.
June.

caravanartist said...

How fascinating - what a find! I love the green bedroom too, it's really pretty.

caravanartist said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
BusyLizzie said...

Thank you for your comments, it is nice to hear from so many people who share my enthusiasm for old prints or interiors! Enjoy the rest of today. Lizzie x

jane and the happy crow said...

What a lovely find! I love all the pictures, they remind me of your dolls houses. I specially like the kitchen at the end what a wonderful cheery colour scheme. Lots of love Jane, will email you soon. xx

The Vintage Knitter said...

That is such a wonderful find and the colours are so vivid. I bet there are many set designers who would love to have these pictures.

My Realitty said...

Wonderful. "checks" makes me laugh. Thanks CM

BusyLizzie said...

Thank you for more lovely comments. I am busy working on my other blog (The Vintage Bazaar) at the moment, so haven't got quite enough time to reply to all your comments today. Lizzie x

The Vintage Knitter said...

Hello again and thanks for your comment. To answer your query about the green spots, click onto 'The Cutest Blog on the Block' logo on the top left of my blog background to get to their site and then click the link on their website to go to their free blog backgounds.

busybusybeejay said...

What a lovely collection.I wish it was mine!

Purrfect Haven said...

i really love the colours in the pictures... what super mixes and I have studied them to apply at home (relatively). Happy days. Love Darcy, Bingley and Helen xxx

BusyLizzie said...

Thank you Helen, look forward to seeing your 2011 decorating projects!! Have a great weekend. Lizzie x

THISNTHAT said...

Fabulous pictures! I want that house :)
Lesley X