The Predecesor to Hawaiin Tropical Barkcloths

[lisa genesta]

Here is an antique French tropical from the 19thc that was an inspiration to the Hawaiin tropicals that flooded the market during WWII...finding antique tropical French pieces are extremely difficult..I have only seen a handful myself in the 18 years of my selling fabrics. You can find this on my website, www.ruins-ca.com along with other romantic florals from the 19thc. Have a great day! Lisa

[SharonS]

Hmmm. you would think that the popularity of Henri Rousseau's jungle paintings would have made tropical themes popular in turn-of-the-century France.

[lisa genesta]

Ah ha..I found another antique tropical cretonne /barkcloth fabric from France in my stash at www.ruins-ca.com...this is actually from c.1900-20..it has a fabulous texture and khaki/olive ground...so you see..I am not that much of a snob..smile

[lisa genesta]

I really do not know why we don't find more tropical themes in the French Barkcloths, at least ones that have survived. Possibility is that they just weren't as popular as the romantic themes. I personally don't care as much for the vintage tropical or atomic themes in the American barkcloths..call me a rebel, but I just am in love with the antique and vintage French cretonne/barkcloth..that is why you will find more of the romantic, flowery themes from such manufacturers as the turn of the century Scheurer-Rott company on my website, www.ruins-ca.com. Here is an original 19thc sample with its tag still intact..it's a keeper!