Bell-pattern textile
Ida F. Clark’s (1858-?) work was clearly distinguishable from Candace Wheeler’s(1827-1923) by motif and by approach. Clark chose more wide-ranging subjects than Wheeler—such as marine imagery, or the locomotive bells depicted here. Her designs were also smaller-scaled and more tightly composed than Wheeler’s. This is a fragment of a fabric that Clark created, on behalf of Associated Artists, to be used for seat upholstery in the railroad cars of the Pullman Palace Car Company. The piece may have come from an armrest in one such car. An engraving of the pattern published in 1884 shows that the fabric originally had a border design, a frieze of locomotive wheels partially obscured by wafting steam.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bell-pattern textile
- Designer: Ida F. Clark (born 1858)
- Maker: Associated Artists (1883–1907)
- Manufacturer: Probably manufactured by Cheney Brothers (American, 1838–1955)
- Date: 1884
- Geography: Made in Connecticut, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Silk and wool, woven
- Dimensions: 12 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. (31.8 x 24.1 cm)
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Boudinot Keith, 1928
- Object Number: 28.70.21
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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Ida F. Clark
Associated Artists
1883–85
Ida F. Clark
Associated Artists
ca. 1883–85
M. B.
1809
American
19th century
American
19th century
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