Multi-coloured Velvets

With their sumptuous designs and rich details, our multicoloured velvets are the result of an extremely complex production process that requires the use of additional warps. They are mainly floral-themed velvets, which appeared in the 17th century, and are now available in different colour options.

Bevilacqua’s Multicoloured Velvet Patterns

Our multicoloured velvets’ patterns come from ancient times: Fioroni from the Baroque, Giardino Antico from the late 18th century, while a combination of styles characterises Grottesche which mixes 16th-century mythological figures with Baroque architectural elements, and flowers and plants typical of Rococo.

This collection owes its name to the presence of flowers and figures of many colours, harmoniously combined to bring out the elaborate designs. Shades usually range from classic green, red or turquoise to the more contemporary petroleum, featuring a contrasting-colour background, commonly ivory or champagne.

History and Peculiarities of Polychrome Velvets

Polychrome velvets were coveted for their beauty and refinement. Already in the 15th century, they were produced in the major Italian textile centres, Venice and Florence in particular. However, due to the complex manufacturing process, they didn’t become popular until the 17th century. In this period the technical innovations of looms allowed weavers to produce these velvets in a simpler way and with a higher amount of decorative elements and colours. That’s why these extraordinary velvets had their maximum flowering during the Baroque period, in particular the “Jardinière” velvets for which Genoa held the supremacy.