Table covering

A most unusual table covering was found on a parlour table in a two
storey thatched farmhouse, Co. Wexford, Ireland. Different parts of
the house have been dated to the 18th and 19th century. The covering
consists of a shiny printed upper layer, an intermediary ground
layer and a fine cotton tabby fabric substrate. It is approximately
0.5mm or less in thickness. The surface is printed overall. The
design depicts polychrome baskets of fruit on a cream background.

Two types of baskets and fruit are staggered on alternate rows. On
close examination each different colour is seen to consist of layers
of dots. A dotted orange craquelure pattern is printed over the
entire surface. The ground layer has been analysed and is composed
of Barium sulphate with perhaps 10% or more of a zinc mineral, which
may indicate that it is Lithopone?

I am looking for answers to three questions regarding this covering.
Has anyone come across a material printed as per the description on
a similar substrate? Does anyone know where, when and for which
purpose this material was made? Did it have a trade name?

I would be happy to clarify any areas that need further explanation.
I look forward to many replies and thank you so much,

Cliodna Devitt
Textile Conservation Studio, Dublin


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:2
                  Distributed: Thursday, June 19, 2003
                        Message Id: cdl-17-2-015
                                  ***