Lot 228
PAINTED FABRICS LTD., SHEFFIELD
SAINT GEORGE AND THE DRAGON PANEL, CIRCA 1930
Auction: Day One | Lots 1 to 229 | Wed 15th April 2026 from 10am
Description
stencilled and painted rayon, framed
Dimensions
178cm x 110.5cm (frame size 193cm x 125.5cm)
Footnote
Painted Fabrics Ltd was established in Sheffield in 1923 by Annie Bindon Carter, following her voluntary work during the First World War at Wharncliffe War Hospital. While assisting the rehabilitation of injured soldiers, many of whom had lost limbs, Carter introduced stencilling as a therapeutic activity. She later developed a method that enabled amputees to paint and stencil fabrics, which formed the basis of a commercial enterprise. The company adopted the principle “Work Not Charity,” providing paid employment to severely disabled ex-servicemen.
Operations were based at a former army camp at Norton Woodseats, where workshops were created for screen printing, block printing, and hand-painted textiles. Designs were produced by artists associated with the Sheffield School of Art. Painted Fabrics manufactured a range of decorative and clothing textiles that were sold through exhibitions and major retailers in Britain, including London department stores. Production ceased during the Second World War, briefly resumed in 1950, and ended in 1958 as demand declined. Carter was awarded an MBE in 1926 for her work supporting disabled veterans.