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08-008. Vera Neumann
Napkins
The Vera Companies
USA, c. 1960
15.25 x 16"
Screenprinted cotton
Facsimile signature
The thrifting has dried up a bit as of late, so when I snuck out his afternoon for a thrift shop lunch break I didn't have high hopes. Winter weather has not only kept me out of the thrifts in the past couple weeks, but I think that it has kept donors away as well since it seems that the stores are slowly emptying out of merchandise. There's just nothing left in a lot of instances. So it is not that this pair of Vera napkins I picked up are any great rarity or hold any particular significance in design history, but finding something — anything — at this point seems like a great success to me. It is amazing what two weeks of no finds will do a thrifter's psyche.
This napkin design is among the more cartoonish in Vera's repertoire. Floral napkin designs are not uncommon at all, in fact I find more Vera florals than any other style of design, but this one pushes the boundaries of silliness. from the exaggerated star shape of the white flowers in the corner to the wacky blue "stems" making the pansies (or whatever they are) seem more like comets than flowers. All in all, these are fun spring-like linens that will certainly grace our table often in the upcoming months. At least whenever this bout of winter weather turns for the better.
Found on February 15, 2008 in Champaign, IL.
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