Fabulous Fabrics of the 50s (And Other Terrific Textiles of the 20S, 30S, and 40s)

By John Gramstad, Gideon Bosker, Michele Mancini

Book Overview

In this nostalgia-packed celebration of fabric design during its riotous mid-century years, over 170 striking full-color photographs accompanied by a lively text and detailed captions document the bold new patterns and unprecedented color combinations that had taken over American home decor. After the war, designs based on science and fantasy proliferated, and no home was complete without boomerang-patterned drapes at the windows or a cowboy-print couch in the den. Organized by pattern type into ten chapters, Fabulous Fabrics also covers the floral prints and Hollywood inspired satins of the 30s and the vivid tropical and nautical designs of the 40s. Today, these fabrics are hot collector's items appreciated for their kitschy optimism and their bright evocation of a more innocent era. A must have resource for designers, interior decorators, artists, architects, and pop-culture buffs, Fabulous Fabrics of the 50s is the ultimate tribute to the exuberant spirit of the century's most innovative textiles.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0877018111
• ISBN13: 9780877018117
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Chronicle Books Llc
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 1.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.5" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Inaccurate Main Title

Overall, the selection of textiles is uninspiring and anything but "terrific," as described in the tittle. Moreover, roughly half of the patterns are from the 20s, 30s and 40s, with just a handful being from the 50s. A more appropriate title would "Lackluster textiles from the 20s, 30s and 40's and some randomly chosen ones from the 50s." I see than one of the authors is a physician, which confirms the amateurish quality of the book. Very disappointed...

Beautiful palettes

If you like fabric and textile design this a very inspirational book. Full of beautiful prints and color palettes.

You Look Fabulouuuusss

As a graphic artist this is one of those books I really prize. It as good pictures - as a graphic artist I don't read much - so this review if more about the illustrations. And the illustrations are perfect. I will probably be on my shelf in my studio till I die because of the wonderful selection of fabrics. I do like the way the book is laid out too. This book would be very handy for anyone trying to do a vintage look in any type of house.

It's True - FABULOUS FABRIC ~ FABULOUS BOOK!

This is my first online book purchase. I am so impressed with this book. The photos leave nothing to the imagination. Clear and concise from page 1 all the way through to page 117. This book is a must have for every textile collector, buyer, seller.

Fabulous Fabrics of the 50s

If you are as passionate as myself for the American curtain and upholstry fabrics of the mid 20th century, you will want to have this book. The photographs of these bold and colorfull textiles are so well desplayed throughout the book it is almost a book of fabric art as well as an excellent reference. The text covers where the designs originated as well as the who, what, when and where that influenced the changes of the textures and designs from the 1920s through the 1950s.