News & Features

The Design Library

A Snapshot of Life on the Titanic

New to the Bridgeman archive, Father Frank Browne's photographs constitute a valuable chronicle of life onboard the Titanic before tragedy struck.

Read more

In Memoriam

2011 saw the passing of many 20th century art giants.

Read more

New Year = New You

Inspiration to stick to those nagging New Year's resolutions, from the Bridgeman archive.

Read more
DES327652 Painted textile design from an Alsation-mill pattern book, c. 1810-15 (painted textile) by French School, (19th century), The Design Library
DES327652 Painted textile design from an Alsation-mill pattern book, c. 1810-15 (painted textile) by French School, (19th century), The Design Library
DES95499 Art Nouveau textile design of lillies, by Felix Aubert (1866-1940) 1897 (printed cotton), The Design Library

Founded 30 years ago by Susan Meller and her late husband Herbert Meller, The Design Library holds the largest collection of prints and designs from the 1750s to the 20th century. Though the collection started with old pieces of fabric salvaged from the attics of New England homes, it has grown both in size and range with important acquisitions from Europe. The Design Library not only works to preserve and restore items in their collection, but also acts as a resource and supply company for an external clientele. From 18th century copper plate designs to cartoon-like prints from the 1950s, Bridgeman holds many of these rare and intricate designs in our archive.

View the entire collection

DES94106 Furnishing textile design with pairs of nesting birds, English, c.1830 (roller-printed cotton chintz), The Design Library
DES327702 Corner of a floral print chit, c.1920s-30s (block printed cotton chit) by Uzbek School, The Design Library