The practice of ‘setting the scene’ is common in interior design. We all understand that thoughtful use of colour and pattern helps build a subtle narrative; this is not a modern phenomenon – in 18th- and 19th-century Europe, a vogue for textiles printed with scenic vignettes became popular as a way to capture stories and add decorative intrigue to homes as well as clothing.
The most recognised modern reproductions tend to focus on monotone prints featuring pastoral motifs, often on a plain – usually white or off-white – cloth or toile. Original designs, however, were as likely to depict political or social events, mythological fables, popular literature and even war scenes alongside representations of idealised rural life. The earliest designs were
