I own a lot of books on pattern design but British Textiles – published by V&A – is one of the loveliest I have seen for a long time.

(It was at the bottom of the pile yesterday but is on top today.)

The book highlights woven and printed fabric (embroidery is planned for an upcoming volume); however, I adore the simple painted designs that sometimes include the artist process.  In my favorites, you can see finely drawn pencil lines, loosely painted swaths of color and the underpinnings of structural grids.  The silk design above from page 29 feels incredibly modern but was designed by James Leman in 1719.

Moving through the  book, you experience an exquisite evolution of British color and design through the ages.

While expensive, this big (weighs 6 pounds), complete (494 pages), beautiful (over 1000 images), inspirational book is one of my new favorites:

British Textiles: 1700 to the Present

Looking very forward to the embroidery volume as well…