Chintz: Cotton in Bloom

Confused but visually stunning exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum looking at the history of chintz, a multicoloured cotton fabric popular in the 18th century.

I say confused as I think the show has moved from the Fries Museum, Leeuwarden, in the Netherlands so story doesn’t flow so well in this space and the information boards and exhibits don’t always match up. There is a lot about a town, Hindeloopen, which took to chintz in a big way but little explanation of why and how long.

However the displays and objects were stunning with a number of complete 18th outfits and lots of children’s clothes as often adult items were cut down to be used by children. There was an amazing show of wide straw sun hats which were covered on one side with cotton. What an amazing this to wear! Also of short bodices called Kroplap a forerunner of the bra worn under a jacket.

The show explained the history of the material outlining how it started to come in from India via the Dutch East India Company but was banned in England for a time when the country was at war with Holland. However this lead to the development of it’s production in England. It also explained its role in the slave trade with the African slavers often being paid in this material. 

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