1880 Paris Silk & Velvet Facing Pair of Drapery Panels
1880 Parisian Silk & Velvet Architectural Drapery Panels | Pair
A rare pair of original Parisian silk drapery panels dating to 1880, woven with an integrally woven velvet motif on a luminous olive silk ground. The panels were commissioned during an American couple’s honeymoon in Paris and later installed in the Arkansas home for which they were made, where they hung in the family’s private library for more than a century.
Protected behind interior blinds, the panels survived while much of the surrounding drapery deteriorated from sun exposure. The silk retains remarkable depth of color, while the richly dimensional velvet pattern in cream and cognac reveals the artistry of late nineteenth century French textile weaving.
The design features an elegant scrolling border and floral cartouche motif characteristic of Parisian decorative silks of the Belle Époque period. The panels remain entirely original, preserving their historic construction including the original cotton lining and traditional bump interlining used in fine nineteenth century drapery to create fullness, insulation, and luxurious weight.
These architectural textiles offer a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic fragment of nineteenth century interior decoration suitable for use as dramatic bed hangings, portières, wall textiles, or statement drapery panels (away from direct sunlight).
Provenance
These panels were part of a group of three pairs originally purchased in Paris in 1880 and installed in the Arkansas residence for which they were commissioned. They remained in the home’s library for generations.
Heather Kearsley Wolf later acquired the panels directly from that residence and has carefully preserved them since. The textiles have been stored in acid free garment bags and periodically refolded to protect the historic silk. They have been shown only occasionally for exhibitions and private viewings.
One pair from the original group has already been placed with a collector. This pair represents one of the final surviving sets from the original installation.
Details
• Pair of drapery panels
• Paris, circa 1880
• Silk ground with integrally woven velvet motif
• Colors: Olive silk with cream and cognac velvet
• Original cotton lining
• Traditional bump interlining
• Original decorative fringe
• Entirely original construction
• Acquired directly from the Arkansas home where they were originally installed
Dimensions:
• Panel height: [to be added]
• Panel width: [to be added]
Condition
Consistent with age. The panels retain their original silk ground, velvet motif, cotton lining, bump interlining, and decorative fringe. As with many historic textiles of this age, conservation lining or stabilization may be desired depending on their intended installation.
Please contact Kearsley for trade discount.