Mr Kilburn's Calicos: William Kilburn's fabric printing patterns from the year 1800, by Gabriel Sempill and Simon Lawrence

Printed, bound and published at breakneck speed to coincide with World of Interiors' extensive feature on this book (October 2014 issue; the feature covered five pages), this is the full reproduction of a very important pocket book once owned by the great fabric designer and printer, William Kilburn (1745-1818). Hitherto known only for his highly elaborate and sumptuous chintz designs which are in the Victoria and Albert Museum, this pocket book includes 62 basic units for patterns which could be built up and repeated on a larger scale for dress material. It is a most exciting find, and Kilburn included notes of variant colourways and orders; the notebook's subsequent use by a great grandson as a child's scrapbook ensured its survival.

The book comprises a letterpress introduction, with the entire notebook being reproduced in the second half. There is a separate booklet of 16 patterns printed full-page, made up from Kilburn's original units by Sholto Drumlanrig, and both the book and booklet are housed in a beautiful solander box. There were three variant bindings of quarter cloth with one of three different Kilburn patterned papers over boards - all three currently for sale have the same binding, pictured here.

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This book is no longer available from the Fleece Press.