The Few and the Mighty, Recommended References on Linen Damask

This follows Antique Linen Damask ID ~ Part II ~ Thread, Pattern, Marks


    The best way to know quality antique and vintage linen damask is by touch and sight.  The only  way to learn about linen damask to lay eyes and hands on as much as you can. Along the way, here are some resources that might help.

    These are also some of the resources I used to help put structure and facts to my life long love of linen damask. Enough to write the two previous guides, at least.

 The Book of Fine Linen

 by Francoise de Bonneville with preface by Marc Porthault

 

    In addition to containing some very good information on linen damasks, this is my first choice for linen collector eye candy.

    Although this book contains mostly information on pre-Jacquard loom damasks, it is well worth reading and gives the best insight into early damasks I’ve found. Also food for the soul for a damask collector.


    I’ve not found this on any other recommended reading list. It was recommended to me by a friend, Joan Reed Kiplinger, co-author of Vintage Fabrics Identification & Value Guide ~ also a very good resource. Fiber to Fabric is the BEST I’ve found on fabric identification in general, covering everything from microscope views of natural and manmade fibers to simple on-the-spot tricks. Also a very good chapter on linen damasks with much information. Thanks, Joan.

 by Elizabeth Scofield and Peggy Zalamea

    A standard on just about everyone’s recommended list, and rightfully so. A few pages with practical information on linen damask and some good pictures of colored damasks.

The Complete Guide to Vintage Textiles

    Like all of Elizabeth Kurella’s books, the best lessons in hand-eye identification of textiles, including weaves and attributes of linen damask.


    By using a quote from Mayle to begin these guides, I reserved the right to add this book to my recommendations list. I enjoyed it thoroughly, the humor, the narrative, the scene setting. If you like anything that involves food, France, fun and a lovely albeit slightly offbeat look at the world, you’ll love this one over and over and over again.
    

 by Peter Mayle

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    Lots of great tidbits on linen damask ~ under simple searches, auction and website listings, linen manufacturing and retail firms ~ can be found on the internet. One of the most interesting, a video of a Jacquard loom in action,  is on the Victoria & Albert Museum site under Textiles, videos, Jacquard weaving.