European Textiles

King, Monique, and Donald King. European Textiles in the Keir Collection: 400 BC - 1800 AD. Jolly & Barber Ltd, 1984. ISBN 9780571133710.

This book is a comprehensive catalog and scholarly exploration of the vast textile holdings of the Keir Collection. Spanning over two millennia, the book documents the rich history of European textiles, featuring garments, fabrics, and tapestries that range from ancient times to the early modern period. The Keir Collection, known for its exceptional range of historical artifacts, offers a unique lens through which the development of textile arts can be studied, from ancient woven fabrics to opulent Renaissance tapestries.

Accompanied by high-quality photographs and detailed descriptions, this volume not only celebrates the artistic beauty of these textiles but also provides in-depth analysis of the materials, techniques, and cultural significance of each piece. With its scholarly commentary and historical insights, the book is an invaluable resource for textile historians, art collectors, and anyone interested in the evolution of European textile art. This work highlights the importance of textiles in reflecting the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Europe from antiquity through the early modern period.

This is a hardback dark-green cloth book with gilt title on spine in mylar-wrapped dust jacket. But for an address label on the first sheet, it's in fine condition. There are no marks or highlighting inside.  It is approximately 11¼"tall x 9"wide x 1⅜"thick. ISBN 9780571133710 / 0571133711.

I am asking $40.

Well Dress'd Peasant

Leed, Drea. The Well Dress'd Peasant: 16th Century Flemish Workingwomen's Dress. Colorado: Costume & Dressmaker Press, 2000.

The Well Dress'd Peasant by Drea Leed is a detailed exploration of the clothing worn by 16th-century Flemish working women, as depicted in the genre paintings of artists like Pieter Aertsen and Joachim Beuckelaer. Drawing from the expertise of notable costume historians such as Janet Arnold, Leed offers patterns and step-by-step guidance for recreating garments like kirtles, petticoat bodies, and partlets. Novice and experienced costumers alike will benefit from the practical instructions and simplified smock construction techniques, making it a valuable resource for historical clothing enthusiasts.

This paperback book had a small printing and was issued without an ISBN. My copy has light shelf wear, but there are no marks inside. I never actually got around to using it to make a dress. Its dimensions are roughly 8½"w x 11"tall. 75 pages. I can likely mail this one first class in an oversize envelope.

I'm asking $110.

Tailor's Pattern Book

Alcega, Juan de. Tailor's Pattern Book 1589. Carlton, Bedford UK: Ruth Bean, 1999.

Juan de Alcega's Tailor's Pattern Book 1589 is a vital primary source for anyone studying Renaissance fashion. This facsimile edition provides some of the only surviving tailoring patterns from the late 16th century, offering unique insight into the craftsmanship behind garments of the Spanish nobility. The book contains over 130 detailed patterns for a wide variety of garments, making it an invaluable resource for historians and costume designers alike. For anyone interested in Renaissance costume design or the history of tailoring, this is a must-have resource, offering one of the few direct windows into the techniques and styles of a bygone era.

The book includes 135 detailed patterns that were used by tailors to create a wide variety of garments for both men and women. These range from doublets and cloaks to elaborate gowns and farthingales. What makes this work so valuable is its practical approach—tailors of the 16th century would have used these exact patterns to cut and assemble fabric, ensuring the precise fit and luxurious styles that characterized the nobility’s attire.

Each pattern is accompanied by yardage requirements, essential for recreating these garments today. However, the original work lacks illustrations, so modern users must rely on their interpretation skills and historical knowledge when following the layouts and instructions. The facsimile also includes both the original Spanish text and its English translation, providing accessibility for a broader audience.

This is a paperback edition with wear along the book edges, and a prior owner's address label on the front sheet. Otherwise in near fine condition. No marks or highlighting. It is approximately 11"tall x 8¼"wide x ¾"thick. ISBN: 9780903585316. I am asking $330.

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