Red Road: Early 20th century pochoir wallpaper samples

These images come from 1920s pochoir pattern books, originally owned by the University of Michigan Architecture Library. Pochoir is the French word for stencil, and prior to modern printing technology, it was a major way that full color information was disseminated, particularly in the fashion and interiors industries. The patterns were designed to be used in a variety of ways, including textiles and wall coverings. Architecture students would have used the patterns reproduced in the books to complete their architectural assignments.

The image above contains various abstract linear and non-linear forms. The shapes are shaped of white, blue, grey, and black. The main object in the piece ice a red curvy line with a white line running through it against a navy blue background. 

It was created by attendees at the 2019 Ann Arbor Summer Festival. 

You can find information about the original inspiration for this piece in the University of Michigan Library catalog.