What: The exhibition — In Bloom: Patterned Silk Design Innovation in Eighteenth Century France

When: March 6, 2008, to February 8, 2009

Where: Alumni Gallery in Rockwell Hall

Background: The eighteenth century was of one of the most spectacular periods of silk production in France. Due to regulations initiated to improve the quality of cloth produced during the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715), silk manufacturing centers such as Lyon were able to capitalize on advancements in weaving technology to create luxurious textiles that were vital to the French economy.

In Du Commerce et des manufactures distinctives de la ville de Lyon, published in 1789, Abbé Bertholon described the affects that eighteenth century design innovations had on dazzled consumers, "…and then we saw astonishing things on cloth: flowers and fruit true to nature…rich hued and glorious birds…No one before had ever produced such work with so much skill, lightness of touch, and spontaneity in the draftsmanship..."

Traditionally, the French monarchy had always been an important patron of the silk industry, and consequently, the newest and most costly designs were first sold to the court. While advances in technology allowed for the development of new types of silk patterns, changes in design were foremost driven by French court taste. In addition to creating entirely new patterns, silk designers were able to satisfy the demand for frequent change by making slight alterations to existing patterns. Silk manufactures and vendors were also well aware of the court's power to drive consumption and to set trends that other consumer groups would later adopt. In Paris less expensive adaptations of new designs and even older designs were sold within France and to foreign cities and courts so that vendors could sell old stock while still maintaining some profit.

While it is clear that eighteenth century silk designs were driven by novelty and the tastes of the French court, silk manufacturers and merchants were quite savvy in their ability to meet the demands of the extremely sensitive patterned silk market while also attending to their own business interests.

The Kent State University Museum is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 4:45 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

The museum is located in Rockwell Hall on the corner of East Main and South Lincoln streets on the Kent Campus. Special guided tours are available for groups by reservation. Free on-site motor coach parking is available.

For additional information about the Kent State University Museum, go to www.kent.edu/museum, or call (330) 672-3450.

LINK TO IN BLOOM WEBSITE

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