Printed Cloth and Pattern Culture: 1780-1880

Dr. Sykas’ research was a continuation and expansion on his 2014 research at the ROM He continued to conduct a close study of printed garments in the ROM’s collection, that represented key developments in textile printing throughout the period. He investigated the intersection of design, production, merchanting and consumption in order to prove the significance and symbolic importance coming from these intersections, This project brings to the study of dress at the ROM: experience with manufacturers’ archives, knowledge of the technological evolution of calico printing, and an understanding of print cloth developmentin both France and Britain, telling the story of printed garments through key aspects of printing technology, colour, pattern, and motif.