Women Textile Designers

The first notable study of the major role women have played in the textile industry, illustrated with world-class 20th-century designs from the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and beyond.

Women Textile Designers features printed, woven and embroidered fabrics created for public spaces, furnishings, fashion and theatre by some of the world’s most accomplished designers. Illustrated with a wealth of weaves, prints, textures and patterns, it includes works by Arts and Crafts pioneer May Morris, Bauhaus designers Gunta Stölzl and Anni Albers, mid-century designers Lucienne Day and Althea McNish, contemporary pioneers such as Birgitta Hahn and Reiko Sudo, and many more.

Chapters charting the transformation of the textile industry over the 20th century – including women’s increased access to design education and their roles as entrepreneurs and leaders – are accompanied by in-depth illustrated profiles of key designers. The book examines the creation of new products and technologies alongside changing consumer patterns and the shifting functions of modern textiles in domestic interiors, public spaces and transportation.

This celebration of female creativity is an invaluable reference for anyone interested in design or seeking an inspirational sourcebook of modern and contemporary patterns.

About the Author

Victoria Bradley is a curator in the department of Performance, Furniture, Textiles and Fashion at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Elizabeth Currie is Associate Lecturer at Central Saint Martins College of Art.