Pattern book

These two fabrics are samples from a Bianchini-Férier pattern book of 1923. Sample 15846 is a design of numerals in black and red. Sample 15888 is of a bouquet of brilliantly coloured flowers on a black ground. The Lyon-based silk manufacturer Bianchini-Férier was known for its innovative and lively fabrics in bright colours. In 1909 Charles Bianchini, one of the partners in the firm, had visited Vienna, a leading city for textile design. He subsequently established an office in Paris. This enabled him to cultivate good relations with the top Parisian couturiers, such as Lanvin, Patou and Poiret, who all bought dress fabrics from him. He also employed chic illustrators like Paul Iribe (1883-

Pattern book · Lyon · 1923. Woven silks. By Bianchini-Férier. Victoria and Albert Museum, London.