3-008-771 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: the Treaty of Commerce Screen Carpet, by Thomas Tapling, of Gresham-street, 1862. 'It must at the outset be understood that [this machine-made item], while wrought in Axminster carpet, is not intended as a floor covering, but for a wall decoration, or at least a vertical position..."It," says its manufacturers, "is intended as a screen or panel...after the manner of the Gobelin tapestries, and was especially designed...by Mr. Wm. Parris for the Exhibition. The design is intended to commemorate the recent treaty of commerce between France and England, and contains a figure of the Emperor presenting the treaty to the Queen, as a "further proof of the friendship of the French nation." The principal subject is surrounded with an elaborate framework of laurel and oak leaves...the panels are of a rich maroon, having an ornament formed alternately of the rose and bee, emblematical of the two countries. The French emblem is again introduced on a shield at the top of the design, surmounted with branches of palm and festoons of flowers. At the base are the English and French flags supporting the Rose, Thistle, and Shamrock, with a blue ribbon bearing the motto "La reciprocité est la base vraie et durable de la paix".' From "Illustrated London News", 1862.