"Instead Of" Napkin, 1934

Marguerita Mergentime (1894-1941) was a self-taught New York City-based textile designer who used Manhattan's museums as her education and, in some cases, her inspiration. She became well-known for her signature text-forward printed table linens, which she hoped would spark lively mealtime conversations. The linens she designed were boldly colorful and frequently referenced American culture and society, or featured native flora and fauna.