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Tablecloth History
A table cloth is a cloth used to cover a table to protect it
from being stained or scratched. Typically table cloths are made of cotton or
artificial fabrics. They are often designed to be easy to wipe clean. More
expensive items may be made from
silk,
linen or
lace.While many table cloths are meant to protect the table from being
stained or scratched, they may also be used purely for decorative purposes,
either hanging near two ends vertically over two parallel edges of the table, or
hang mostly vertical along all four edges of the table, with bunched folds
hanging at the four corners of the table.
Was there ever a time when table linens did not have a feminine appeal?
From the de rigueur of fine damasks and laces, the fascination has now turned to
the common print tablecloth. This month's guest columnist, tablecloth author and
collector Pamela Glasell, takes us on a memory trip decade by decade from
origins to rise in popularity of these cloths.
Printed tablecloths. Beautiful tropical designs, quaint cartoon figures, bold
geometric, abstract designs and luscious fruit and flowers. Who would have
thought even a few years ago that the printed tablecloth, so enjoyed by the
families in the 40s and 50s, would make such a stunning comeback as a popular
collectible. There is now great demand for these classic kitchen textile
treasures from the past. More and more collectors are drawn to these wonderful
cloths, bringing delightful memories from America's glorious past to their
present kitchen tables.
Just as fashions changed and evolved thorough the decades, so did the styles of
the vintage tablecloth. Knowing the history of the printed tablecloth allows
collectors to date their treasures and have fun assembling a collection spanning
the hundred or more years of tablecloth production and designs. A wonderful
heavy 1890s Turkey Red Victorian fringed damask, several 1930s faded fruit and
gray leaf tablecloths, many 1940s floral printed tablecloths, and 1950s quirky
"space age" geometric shaped tablecloths all have a place of honor in my vintage
printed tablecloth collection.
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