Bird and Thistle by Brunschwig & Fils Fabric

Here is a wonderful summary about this iconic design, beautifully written by @Glampad:

"Toile is a classic design staple that began in eighteenth century France and remains popular today.  My favorite toile is Bird and Thistle, produced by Brunschwig & Fils and available in green, blue, aqua, red, beige, grey, and silver.  The graceful, delicate design is an adaptation of an English textile made in 1785.  The original design (in red) was used as curtains and a bedcover by Henry Francis du Pont at Winterthur, his country estate in Delaware.  H. F. du Pont, the last private owner of Winterthur and a renowned antiques collector and horticulturist, collected textiles made in the 18th and 19th centuries. He particularly enjoyed textiles with floral and foliage motifs that connected with the 60 acres of naturalistic garden that surrounded his home. The subtle shadings and open, airy effect of this toile was possible due to the copperplate technique of printing. Prior to the use of the copperplate, printed fabrics were produced with wood blocks that limited the size and intricacy of the design.

Brunschwig & Fils has been licensing designs from Winterthur’s collection since 1971.  Renditions of this pattern (on fabric) were introduced in the Spring 1976 and Spring 1999 collections, with Bird and Thistle Cotton Print and wallpaper making a renewed debut in Spring 2007.  From powder rooms to kitchens, Bird and Thistle makes a lovely addition to any home."

I always knew that the pattern was based on an antique copperplate, but what I realized just now, that the print I was lucky to source, is most likely one of the very first prints, produced by Brunschwig & Fils in 1975.

This explains the rare and unusual pale blue china background, as I wasn't able to see it anywhere else - the later and current runs are printed on off white or cream.

Currently, there are two lengths availabale, both slighly over 3+ yards 

• 100% cotton
• 54” width 
• Horizontal repeat 53.5"
• Vertical Repeat 36.0"
• Sample order recommended as photography and device screens may alter the original colors
• Sold by the yard 
• Dry clean only