The Artistic Label

You might remember the quilt made entirely of clothing labels that I wrote about back in February.  A few week ago Kate Mathews sent me the link to some more labels that the quilt owner, Chris Kluge, posted on his facebook page.  These labels were all woven by his family’s business, German Artisic Woven Labels which became became Artistic Woven Labels during WWI.  Visit the link above to read about the company.

These labels came from sample books found in the old mill’s water-powered turbine room, and they date from the early 1900s through about the 1940s.  These were woven on very narrow looms (and that is why the edges of them are smooth, compared to labels today which are woven on wide looms and then cut and fused… and scratchy!)

So marvel at the detailing, and think of a time when these little works of art graced the interior of one’s coat.

Many thanks to Chris for sharing his story and photos.    All images copyright WOODTHRUSH, LLC 2010

Comments:

Posted by KeLLy Ann:

sigh, all the lost art that has gone the route of cheap clothing, so much so, they just stamp the cloth.
As much as I love technology, to a point, I miss the Talent. 

Saturday, November 20th 2010 @ 9:54 PM

Posted by edgertor:

spectacular. are there more, or are these all of them?

Sunday, November 21st 2010 @ 4:22 AM

Posted by Lizzie:

KeLLy Ann, the first time I saw the label info stamped on the inside of a garment, i was just astounded. But it is more comfortable in undies.

Edgertor, yes, quite a few more. They are on Chris’s facebook page, and here is the link. I’m not sure if you will be able to see them, depending on his settings.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=90994&id=1282089569&page=3

They also printed other narrow textiles such as cigarette premiums and ribbons for events and organizations.

Sunday, November 21st 2010 @ 7:25 AM

Posted by Cat@ClubVintageFashions:

The Thunder Bird label with the ducks from Alpena, Michigan brings back sweet memories. My parents, who are gone now, had a cabin near Alpena where we spent many fondly remembered hours during my childhood. Thanks for sharing.

Sunday, November 21st 2010 @ 11:44 AM

Posted by KeLLy Ann:

lol, ok, yeah, I’ll give you that!
underwear is better without the tag… 

Sunday, November 21st 2010 @ 6:28 PM

Posted by Ali B.:

This is a great little story as I’ve often noticed cool labels in clothing but never thought much about where they come from. I’d love to see this guy put all of his family’s labels into a book—this is a true lost art.

Sunday, November 21st 2010 @ 7:34 PM

Posted by Lisa:

The Thunderbird label is fantastic, and the quilt that you featured in a previous post? Amazing! I agree with AliB, the labels deserve their own book – a little place to tell their stories.

Monday, November 22nd 2010 @ 10:39 AM

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