Panel of printed camlet
Printed Profusion
Wool could be readily dyed in a range of colors, and was cheaper, easier to work with, and much more hard-wearing than silk. Camlets like this- plain woven, ribbed worsted- were printed with patterns imitating pricier damasks. This pane, and another in The Met's collection (2010.500.5), though of different provenance, repeat versions of the same popular foliate pattern. Likely woven in Norwich, on the Norfolk coats, the camlets were sent to London for printing.