Anna Maria Garthwaite

Anna Maria Garthwaite (1690–1763) was an English textile designer known for her intricate and colorful floral designs for silk fabrics, which were used in the production of fashionable garments in the 18th century. Garthwaite is considered one of the most important figures in the history of English textile design, and her work is noted for its technical skill and artistic quality. She was born in Nottinghamshire and later moved to London, where she became a successful freelance designer in the Spitalfields silk-weaving industry. Garthwaite's designs were often inspired by the natural world, and she was known for her ability to create realistic depictions of flowers and plants. Her work was highly sought after, and she produced over 800 designs during her career. Garthwaite's designs were preserved in pattern books, which have provided valuable insight into the textile industry of the time. Her work can be found in the collections of several museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Garthwaite's contribution to the field of textile design has been recognized with a blue plaque on her former home in Spitalfields, commemorating her as one of the most significant designers of her time.