DECORATING TRENDS, 1880s-90s

ORIENTALISM

The 'mystique' of the Orient was in vogue in the Western world by the 1880s. The fascination with the 'exotic' established an aesthetic inclination that people embraced with considerable enthusiasm as it influenced Western design, from book covers to ceramics to household items.

Department stores and other retailers of the 1880s-90s responded to this interest by selling such inexpensive objects as Oriental rugs (both real Middle Eastern handmade carpets and Western manufactured copies). Thus, the middle class could indulge in this latest home fashion trend without spending a lot of money. People in the late Victorian era typically placed Oriental rugs on top of wall-to-wall carpeting in front halls, drawing rooms, and bedrooms as practical and fashionable additions to their homes.

Many other examples of Orientalism can be seen throughout Spadina today.

The spindle archway at Spadina, installed during the 1897 renovation,
added a Moorish element to the second floor.
(Photograph by Neil Brochu.)

DEPARTMENT STORE CARPETS

The 1889 Eaton's catalogue sold rugs of genuine Eastern origin under the names 'Mecca' and 'Dagastan,' based on the assumed points of origin of hand-made textiles, or, in the case of rugs titled 'Smyrna,' a Turkish port from which they had been sent to Europe and North America.

The Spadina collection has a number of rugs that likely date to this period. The earliest known insurance inventory of the home, from 1899, includes 11 rugs, without distinction between domestic and Oriental carpets, although both types likely were present in the home. The inventory lists carpets in all of the principal rooms and hallways of the house. Most carried insurance values of between $10 and $25, amounts that illustrates how Toronto families could follow the movements of popular taste without extravagance.

Carpets of the late Victorian period generally originated in Turkey and the Caucasus, were small in size, and were constructed of wool pile on wool warp and weft. The patterns presented bold geometric designs and could be standardized. However, closer inspection reveals seemingly idiosyncratic drawings that indicate evidence of the artistic individuality of the weavers.

Carpet from the Spadina collection likely bought during this period.
Shiraz rug.
(1982.7.302; City of Toronto Collection.)

Carpet from the Spadina collection likely bought during this period.
Caucasian rug.
(1982.7.305; City of Toronto Collection.)

Explore Romance Underfoot :

• Oriental Rugs in Toronto, 1880-1940
• The Austins at Spadina
• Decorating Trends, 1880s-90s
• Turn-of-the-Century Refinement
• Competitions in the Carpet Trade
• Modern vs Traditional Carpeting
• Final Thoughts
• Visit Spadina

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