"Harlem Toile de Jouy" Dinner Plate Set, 2020
Add to SetSummary
Sheila Bridges' Harlem Toile de Jouy pattern is a singular example of a historical design that has been successfully reimagined and speaks to Americans in the 21st century. Originally designed in 2007, the pattern featuring African Americans engaged in leisurely activities has morphed from a wallpaper design to appearing on a variety of objects, from clothing to dinnerware, both high style and vernacular.
Sheila Bridges' Harlem Toile de Jouy pattern is a singular example of a historical design that has been successfully reimagined and speaks to Americans in the 21st century. Originally designed in 2007, the pattern featuring African Americans engaged in leisurely activities has morphed from a wallpaper design to appearing on a variety of objects, from clothing to dinnerware, both high style and vernacular.
Artifact
Set (Group)
Date Made
2020
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, New York, New York
Creator Notes
Designed by Glitterville Studios, in collaboration with Sheila Bridges Design, both of New York, New York. Made in China.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2022.75.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Melamine
Cardboard
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 2.5 in (Packaging)
Width: 9.75 in (Packaging)
Length: 9.5 in (Packaging)
Inscriptions
embossed on bottom of each plate: Designed & Copyrighted by Glitterville Studios A Division of One Hundred 80 Degrees www.glitterville.com Dishwasher Safe Not Microwave Safe sticker on bottom of yellow plate: Sheila Bridges / As an African American living in Harlem, I have always been / intrigued and inspired by the historical narrative of the decorative arts, especially / tradition French toile with its pastoral motifs from the 1700s. I'm entertained by / the stories these patterns tell and the questions they often raise, but after searching for many / years for the perfect toile for my own home, I decided that it quite simply didn't exist. I created / Harlem Toile initially as a wallcovering then expanded the collection to include fabrics, bedding, plates, / glassware, umbrellas, clothing and accessories. My original design (which lampoons some of / the stereotypes commonly associated with African Americans), ultimately celebrates our / complex history and rich culture, which has often been appropriated. / Harlem Toile De Jouy has been featured in many museums and exhibits throughout the country and Europe including / The Studio Museum in Harlem, The Museum of Art and Design in New York City, The Underground Museum in LA, / and the Musee De La Toile De Jouy in Jouy en Josas, France. I am also honored to have my design included in the / permanent wallpaper collection of The Smithsonian Coopyer Hewitt Museum in New York City and / most recently, The Smithsonian African American Museum of History and Culture in Washington, DC. / Dishwasher Safe Not Microwave Safe BPA Free Patent #: US D595,542 S / www.glitterville.com / Made in China front of tag on twill tape holding plates together: Harlem Toile de Jouy / by Sheila Bridges for / Glitterville Studios back of tag on twill tap holding plates together: GlitterVille(R) / STUDIOS / X / SHEILA BRIDGES / home TM sticker on top of packaging: Stephen Brown's / Glitter / Ville / STUDIOS / www.glitterville.com
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