HISTORIC NAPERY

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 63, 8 December 1930, Page 5

HISTORIC NAPERY

- ' - tfr , Some Lovely Examples For some time the snow-white linen or damask tablecloth has been in danger of being ousted from its supremacy in order to give prominence to the beautiful coloured cloths, or what the Americans call “two-tone” table linen, says the “Queen.” . . . A number of women inspired with a belief that colour at mealtimes helps to produce a feeling of brightness and happiness, some time ago successfully arranged aili attractive exhibition at one of the West ftmd drapery establishments, entitled ‘nine With Me.” . , . .. Colour schemes were improvised for the various tables. One was covered with a cream-coloured damask cloth, another with a cloth of linen damask hand-painted in fadeless colourings, in a floral design, based on a celebrated piece of Derby chinam South Kensington Museum, whilst a third was of buttercup yellow damask with a design in a lighter shade. In Tudor Days. “The laying of the cloth” is a ritual in the programme of every household which would be sorely missed if superseded permanently by any modern innovation. Many a housewife is justly proud of her table napery forming part of a valuable dowry handed down from past generations. There are important functions- always going on, both of a public and private character at which nothing could be substituted for the familiar cloth. Viscountcss Wolseley refers in her book on Sussex Manor Houses to a wonderful tablecloth of silken damask, used at a function very popular in olden days, “The Tenants’ Dinner.” It is associated with the Stuart period, and has scattered over it the acorn and sprig of oak leaf. The artist weaver has woven into this damask cloth various sights and scenes belonging to the farm. A large thatched shed, horses chained to a harrow goats, cows, pigs, etc. In one corner is. a man evidently the owner of the farm, in early eighteenth-century costume, with a dog at his heels,- carrying a muzzled gun. In another is a representation of the old house Itself, with its slab stone roof and Tudor windows. . • ' . A portion only of this huge and historic cloth is in possession of the family to whom this farm belongs, for at the death of a member of the circle, it is said to have been portioned off so that each relative should possess a piece of it. In (the Queen’s Collection.

Buckingham Palace has some famous table cloths in its linen chests.; one was specially made to celebrate the coronation of Queen Anne. It is never used, but carefully stored away, and is valued at £6OO. There is another huge cloth, brought out on very rare-occasions., It is the one used for the wedding breakfast of Queen Victoria, and will cover a table laid for 170 guests. Doubtless throughout the country there are numerous linen cupboards which possess tablecloths of immense value — family treasures, heirlooms, historic pieces,'etc. ' It would be interesting to collect some of the tragedies which have occurred at the table, when a spotless, finest .woven cloth has been ruined beyond repair, and made the heart of the dignified hostess ache.

Men, it must be said, are .generally greater sinners than women, which is not perhaps a matter, for surprise. At a dinner once given in connection with the Press Club, one of the speakers was Mr. Amery. In the newspaper report it was stared that as-he sat at table he made extensive notes for his speech in pencil, which occupied about a foot square. Whether he had accidentally left his pocket-book behind, history docs not record, but in the making of his speech he spoiled a Press tablecloth. • | . ..The modern hostess of to : day is experiencing a thrill of discovery, awakening new beauty in her table- decoration, with the advent of the newest cloths. For -glass, china, and silver she will find linen damask cloths an indispensable foundation. Their soft lustre, their simple. two-toned modernity, their deftly engaging designs, each contribute subtlety to the beauty of a modsx3 decor.