Look familiar? If you’ve been reading The Vintage Traveler for a month, then you’ll recognize this Martex design from a earlier post where I showed a modern dress that used a modified version of a Mid Century Martex print found on a linen towel. I was delighted to get the same towel, but in blue in the mail the other day.
It was a gift from Mod Betty of Retro Roadmap, who had found the dress that sparked my original post. Sometimes I think I ought to put Mod Betty (along with a few others who are always sending great leads my way) on the payroll. But then I remember that there is no payroll, so MB ends up getting paid the same as I do.
I find the current obsession with mid 20th century design to be interesting, and a bit amusing. Being born in 1955, I was surrounded with “modern” design. When a generation that had not been as exposed to this design rediscovered it ten or fifteen years ago, I thought it a bit odd. What was so commonplace to me looked fresh and exciting to their eyes. And I can see that they were right.
I can’t see myself living in a house surrounded by the artifacts of my childhood, but I look at the Mid Century houses of so many of my online friends and I can easily see the appeal of the style. I realize that I was very lucky to grow up surrounded by good design. Well, except for the lamps, and I’m sorry, but the Fifties and Sixties saw the birth of some mighty ugly lamps.
I bet there is a black version of this one.
When it comes to textile design, I really think that the designers of the 1940s through 60s were at the top of the game. The simplicity of these Martex towels say “Cocktail Time” without the overly cutesy-ness of similar designs being made today.
Thanks so much, Beth!
