1780 Elisabeth Forsell - Magenta

1780s Magenta Textile for Banyan & Waistcoat

Product Description

This 18th-century inspired design is presented in a rich magenta tone, offering a strong yet refined expression typical of late 18th-century textile aesthetics. The colour brings depth and character while maintaining the balance and rhythm of historical pattern compositions.

The design is based on textile samples collected for educational purposes during the 18th century, reflecting how patterns and materials were studied, traded, and reproduced across Europe.

Well suited for

Banyans, waistcoats, jackets, robe battante, and 18th-century garments where a bold yet historically grounded colour is desired.

Design & Historical Context

The inspiration for this design comes from a textile sample collection assembled by Anders Berch (1711–1774), professor of economics in Uppsala. His collection brought together fabric samples from European trading houses, used to teach students about materials, production, and textile quality.

This design is named after Elisabeth Forsell, a Swedish weaver and textile pioneer. She played an important role in developing flax cultivation and textile production in Finland and introduced early spinning machinery, contributing to the evolution of textile craftsmanship in the Nordic region.