1730s Mantua Fabric Recreation

This project was developed in collaboration with Ella Jefferson, a final-year costume student at Wimbledon College of Arts, recreating a historically grounded textile for a 1730s mantua.

The design is based on a documented late 17th-century printed cotton (c. 1670–1700), originating from Germany and preserved in the Victoria & Albert Museum collection. The original textile features small sprigs of roses, block-printed in black and overprinted with rust red – a characteristic technique of early European cotton printing.

Using this reference as a foundation, the design was adapted for garment construction and refined through a fast, focused process to meet a tight academic deadline. Colour, scale, and tone were carefully adjusted in close dialogue throughout the development.

The final fabric was produced on a lightweight cotton linen base, balancing historical accuracy with practical use. The completed garment will be presented at William Hogarth’s House in Chiswick as part of the final exhibition.

This project demonstrates how historical reference, production efficiency, and collaboration can align without compromise.