Identifying Spitalfields Silk ?

L

love4vintage

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Hi! I have beautiful circa 1835 eggplant floral silk damask dress. The silk is exquisite! Im wondering if there are any specific defining characteristics of the Spitalfields silk. Thanks!
 
I know a few tricks of the trade for identifying 18th century Spitalfields silk (like cream backgrounds are typical, whereas yellow or coral backgrounds are more typically French), but for 19th C Spitalfields I don't. I suspect there are less unique features to silk damasks and brocades by the 1830s as fashion is more international by then but I don't know for sure.
 
I don't know if any of these articles might help you. This is about the 18th century designs, but an interesting piece, and I read that the author, Natalie Rothstein is writing a book about Spitalfields silk based on the Victoria and Albert archive.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love to see your dress, if you would post a picture!
 
Is your 1835 dress English?

By the 1830's the industry in Spitafields was considered to be declining - with the industrial age, competition from new factories in England and the French weavers, and high import tariffs for silk all having an effect. Accessories like shawls and handkerchiefs were being produced. Because of the changing fashions during the Victorian period there was more discernment in complementing a plainer dress with a more decorative shawl say and art and aesthetic movements reflected the preference for subtle or simpler designs and printed fabrics.

Silk Designs of the Eighteenth Century by Natalie Rothstein would be an excellent reference and here is a link to some silks from the pattern books in the V&A including one 19thC design;

http://www.vandaimages.com/results.asp?W=2&F=0001&Step=13
 
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