1746 Sophie Magdalene

1740 Spitalfields Silk Floral

Product Description

This design is inspired by early 18th-century silk textiles created by Anna Maria Garthwaite in Spitalfields, London. It reflects the refined floral compositions developed for woven silk, here adapted for printed fabric while preserving the original sense of movement and scale.

The pattern features meandering, slender branches with large, expressive blossoms in a flowing layout. The composition avoids rigid repetition, creating a natural rhythm well suited to garments where elegance and fluidity are essential.

Well suited for

Mantua, Banyan, Robe à l’Anglaise

Design & Historical Context

The original textile, dated around 1740, was a silk brocade with a finely ribbed ground and a complex colour palette including soft pinks, yellow, white, and darker outlining tones. Designed by Anna Maria Garthwaite, one of the most important designers in Spitalfields, it reflects the peak of English silk design for elite dress.

Sofia Magdalena of Denmark (1746–1813) was Queen of Sweden and consort of King Gustav III. As a member of the European royal court, her era reflects the refined textile culture in which Spitalfields silks were widely worn.

Garments such as mantuas and anglaise dresses made from floral silks like these were central to court dress and visual identity during the mid-18th century.