Floral Motifs on Early Chintz
Typha latifolia (Cattails)
Typha latifolia (Cattails) public domain photo shot by Derek Jensen in Indiana.
Typha latifolia (Cattails) William Curtis, Flora Londinensis, vol. 3, plate 61, p. 171, 1778
Typha latifolia (Cattails) from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Object Number 1953-138,1, Copperplate Print Textile, c. 1761
Common Names: Cattails, Common Cattail, Broadleaf Cattail, Great Cat's-Tail, Cat-O'-Nine-Tails, Reed-Mace, Great Reedmace, Bulrush, Common Bulrush, Cooper's Reed, Cumbungi, Punks, Raupo
 
Description: Typha latifolia (Cattails) is a member of the Cattail Family (Typhaceae). The Hortus Kewensis, ed. 2, vol. 5, p. 234 recorded that this plant is native to Britain. It is also native to Europe, North and South America, Eurasia, and Africa.


Quilts with this Typha latifolia (Cattails) motif: 
  • None known at this time

Chintz with this Typha latifolia (Cattails) motif: 
  • Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Copperplate Print Textile Thought to be Printed in France copying an earlier design by R. Jones & Company, Old Ford, London, Object Numbers 1953-138,1 and 1953-138,2, c. 1761 (sepia colorway)
  • Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Copperplate Print Textile Thought to be Printed in England copying an earlier design by R. Jones & Company, Old Ford, London, Object Numbers  1951-390, 1A and 1951-390, 2, made in 1761 (red colorway)
  • Victoria and Albert Museum, Copperplate Furnishing Fabric Printed by R. Jones & Company, Old Ford, London, Object Number CIRC.359B-1955, made in 1761 (sepia colorway)
  • Victoria and Albert Museum, Copperplate Furnishing Fabric Possibly French or English copying an earlier design  by R. Jones & Company, Old Ford, London, Object Number T.411-1919, made in 1760-1769 (sepia colorway)
  • Victoria and Albert Museum, Copperplate Furnishing Fabric Printed by R. Jones & Company, Old Ford, London, Object Number 442-1897, made in 1761 (red colorway)
  • Private Collection, Chicken, Duck, and Peacock Copperplate Furnishing Fabric Printed by R. Jones & Company, Old Ford, London, no date


There appears to be confusion over dates and printing locations of some or most of these pieces.  Robert Jones founded R. Jones & Company in 1760 at Old Ford, a part of London.  However museums owning some of the examples base their dating on an "inscription" on a piece of ruin upon which a flute player is sitting, or a very faint "inscription" located between the adult chickens and the chicks.  The inscription below the hen reads "R.J. & Co  Old Ford  1761."  There may have been a mid-19th century reproduction, but no additional information is available.  Information on this page regarding where and when these pieces were printed is based on what the museums say in their online collection descriptions.  It appears clear the original design was from R. Jones & Company, an English firm.





   ©  Updated 4/18/2021     Author: Terry Terrell