Portraits in Silk

More about the book

The book delves into the pivotal role of silk in the 18th-century European economy and society, highlighting its impact on employment and consumer culture. It presents individual portraits of designers and manufacturers, showcasing their varying degrees of success and recognition. Through new archival evidence, it explores themes such as the intersection of art and manufacturing, the dynamics of national and international trade networks, and the complexities of commercial education and industrial espionage, revealing the intricate landscape of the silk industry during this period.