Storming of the Bastille Tea Towel

$22.00
100% Organic Cotton
Made in the UK
(2 reviews) Write a Review
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  • Sturdy half panama unbleached US cotton (19" x 27.5")
  • Our special inks mean that colours last in the wash
  • Includes hanging loop
  • Shipping nationwide with USPS, free on orders over $35
  • 100-day money back guarantee if you change your mind

The image is based on a watercolour by French artist Jean-Pierre Houël ‘Storming of the Bastille’.

This was an event that occurred in Paris, France  on the afternoon of 14 July 1789, when revolutionaries stormed and seized control of the medieval armoury, fortress and political prison known as the Bastille. At the time, the Bastille represented royal authority and tyranny in the centre of Paris. The prison contained only seven inmates at the time of its storming, but was seen by the revolutionaries as a symbol of the monarchy's abuse of power; its fall was the flashpoint of the French Revolution which eventually led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the First French Republic. 

Many of its ideas are considered fundamental principles of liberal democracy,  while phrases like "liberté,égalité, fraternité" reappeared in other revolts, such as the 1917 Russian Revolution, and inspired campaigns for the abolition of slavery and universal suffrage. The values and institutions it created dominate French politics to this day.

Historian François Aulard writes:

"From the social point of view, the Revolution consisted in the suppression of what was called the feudal system, in the emancipation of the individual, in greater division of landed property, the abolition of the privileges of noble birth, the establishment of equality, the simplification of life.... The French Revolution differed from other revolutions in being not merely national, for it aimed at benefiting all humanity."

 

Half Panama unbleached cotton (heavy weight, textured finish). Stitched on all four sides. Includes hanging loop. Measures approximately 19in x 27.5in. Machine wash at 110 degrees max. We recommend that before you use your tea towel for the first time you wash it at least once to soften up the material and make it more absorbent for drying dishes. Please note size can vary slightly.

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  • 5
    Stroming of the Bastille Tea Towel

    Posted by Victoria Shields and Keyth Mallam on Jul 30th 2022

    I bought this towel for my dear and oldest friend, Doug, who has been traveling the United States in a camper with his wife (and another dear friend), Lisa, for the last three years. Doug's birthday is on Bastille Day, and he and Lisa were to arrive here in Tacoma, Wa, a couple of days later. I had to admit I was a bit concerned about Doug's reaction, since he isn't quite as politically active as we, but he loved this towel! It is beautifully illustrated, has your traditional superior quality of cotton, (and I did make sure he understood the "priming" care to keep it supple and colorfast. Simple) The best indication of his delight was his instantaneous big laugh over the message and the beauty of the piece. Thank you for your wonderful products and your excellent work educating the people about our potential influence and power (as well as our foibles). We wish we could afford to support you by purchasing many more of your goods, but we do what we can with making of them presents. Sincerely, Victoria Shields and Keyth Mallam Tacoma, WA, (supposedly)USA

  • 5
    Bastille

    Posted by Andre on Jun 6th 2022

    Items looks good