Love in Bloom is a beautifully designed wallpaper that speaks of the period during which it was made. The differing shades of taupe printed in transparent colors on the reflective Mylar foil ground create a great sense of depth. Produced in 1968, it speaks very strongly of the Flower Power movement, of peace in turbulent times, as well as the use of new materials. From student protests on university campuses to the march on the Pentagon October 21, 1967, people were rejecting the US involvement in the ongoing Vietnam War, and flowers were used as a symbol of peace and made a powerful, nonviolent statement. Mylar was developed by the DuPont Company in 1952, and the use of Mylar in wallpapers to create a mirror-like reflective surface became very popular during the 1960s and 1970s.
Samples of Love in Bloom are also contained in the Dialogue 16 sample book by Jack Denst in the Museum’s collection where the design is shown in four different colorways with matching borders. Also included is a black and white photo showing a room hung with this paper. The sample book provides good documentation for the wallpaper sample, and it is nice to see how this design looks printed in different colors. The collection also contains numerous other wallpaper designs and sample books by this company for a good view of their production and contribution to the field of wallcoverings.
Love in Bloom was designed and produced by Jack Denst Designs in Chicago, one of the leading wallpaper companies during the mid-20th century. Their wallpapers always showed the latest trends and were printed with bold designs on paper, vinyl and Mylar foil. Denst is credited with creating the wet look in vinyl wallcoverings and also for pioneering screen-printing on Mylar. By 1968 Denst had received 11 awards given by the American Institute of Interior Designers for his wallpaper and textile designs.