Swatch out! The Design Center at Philadelphia University houses over 200,000 textiles and fashion objects. A sliver of this massive archive is now available for all to see via The Design Center tumblr. It’s striking how contemporary many of these prints look, the designs from the late 1880s are often the most eccentric/in vogue. Take a look at these selections, featuring prints of many styles and eras, along with Dorothy Liebes and Jack Lerner Larson wovens.

Vermicular print on cotton. Unknown manufacturer. Late 19th centuryEnglish print, 1896-97
Abstract print on cotton. France. 1896-97
Zig zag print on cotton. France. Sept. 9, 1896-97

1890Chevron checkerboard print on cotton. France. 1895
Dorothy Liebes. Rigid weft sample. 1950s. Wood and novelty yarns
Dorothy Liebes woven sample. Mid-twentieth century
Dorothy Liebes. Rigid weft sample. 1950s. Wood and novelty yarns
Floral print on silk. Unknown manufacturer. 1930s-1940s
Geometric print on silk in 4 colorways. 1930s-1940sJack Lenor Larsen – Brocade – Copper Blue
Jack Lenor Larsen woven sample –  Haitian Primitive Twill – Brown
Linked circle print on ombre cotton. 1906
Polka dot and plaid print on cotton flannel. 1906
Plaid print on cotton. Knickerbocker. 1885  Plaid print on cotton flannel. October 1914
Onandaga Mills, Eastern PA.Jamaica on Utopia. David and Dash. Miami, FL. 1960s