Caroline Townsend

Caroline Townsend (1854–1889) was an American designer and embroiderer, best known for her design work at Tiffany & Co. and as the principal designer at Associated Artists.

Early life Caroline Townsend was born in Albany, NY. In 1880, she left home to teach watercolor and china painting at the Hartford, Connecticut branch of the Society of Decorative Art. She taught in Hartford for a year before moving on to New York City.

Career In May 1881, Townsend's portière won the $500 first place prize at an embroidery competition held by the Society of Decorative Art at the American Art Gallery at Madison Square.

Through the exhibition of her textiles at the Society, Townsend would have met Candace Wheeler and begin working with her at Associated Artists, which, in turn, led to her collaborating with Louis C. Tiffany & Company. After eventually leaving Associated Artists, Townsend would study painting at the Académie Julian in Paris and the Art Students League of New York.

Candace Wheeler described Townsend as one of the best embroiderers she has known.

Work

Awards and nominations First Prize, design for portière, Society of Decorative Art, May 1881.