The 1926 design Visschen by decorative artist Chris Lebeau (1878-1945) forms the basis of this unique, contemporary table linen designed for the ‘by TextielMuseum’ label. The TextielLab took its iconic motifs and together with Studio Prelude developed a product line in which the Art Nouveau feeling is translated into a contemporary design.
For new products for by TextielMuseum, the TextielMuseum sought inspiration in old patterns, fabrics and techniques. by TextielMuseum commissioned Iris Toonen and Elske van Heeswijk from Studio Prelude to reinterpret the classic table linen Visschen (no. 561) by Lebeau and update it with new colours and materials. The designers immersed themselves in the different bindings and in this way rediscovered the Art Nouveau design. The result is a beautiful contemporary product line consisting of a tablecloth, runner and napkins. The table linen was presented at the Dutch Design Week 2017.
By using the possibilities of the various bindings, Studio Prelude added colour to the white in the new damask. The use of reflective yarns, some of the fish in the design show all the colours of the rainbow. On each side of the table, the fish are illuminated in a different way, making it appear as if they are ‘swimming’ across the table. The combination of the classic Art Nouveau design and modern bindings and yarns gives the table linen a rich look.
Lebeau designed table linen, which was manufactured by Linnenfabriek E.J.F. van Dissel & Zonen in Eindhoven. Lebeau’s damask designs gained wide acclaim and were sold nationally and internationally.
Studio Prelude was founded by Iris Toonen and Elske van Heeswijk and is located in Den Bosch. They met as students at the Design Academy Eindhoven. The duo’s work is guided by research and the beginning of an event, the ‘prelude’. They develop products using different techniques and materials, in which textiles play an important role.
