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 ...