Marie Gudme Leth

Pioneer of Modern Textile Printing in Denmark

Marie Christine Mathea Gudme Leth (1895–1997) was a trailblazing Danish textile artist who revolutionized textile printing by introducing screen printing as a method for artistic and industrial production in Denmark. She created a series of iconic textile designs that enjoyed great popularity in her time and continue to captivate contemporary audiences.

In 1941, she established her own workshop in Copenhagen. Initially focusing on naturalistic motifs of flowers and animals, she later turned to more stylized and geometric compositions. Her aim was to bring beauty into everyday life, combining artistic vision with technical innovation.

Gudme Leth gained wide recognition both nationally and internationally. She received a gold medal at the Paris World Exhibition in 1937 and another at the Triennale in Milan in 1951. During the 1930s, her prints were exported with notable success, especially to the United States and Canada. Her work helped elevate textile printing to the same status as other respected crafts in Denmark.

A New Life for a Classic Tradition

Although Marie Gudme Leth’s original patterns have not been in print for several years, they are now brought back to life through traditional methods. Today, the fabrics are hand-printed at Frösö Handtryck in northern Sweden—one of the last remaining hand-printing workshops in Scandinavia. The printing tables and frames resemble those used in Gudme Leth’s original studio, ensuring that the production process remains true to her original techniques and spirit.

Selected Patterns

Guinea Fowl
(1941 – 3 colors)

This whimsical and narrative design is one of Gudme Leth’s most beloved early patterns. Inspired by her travels in Java, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and India, the composition features curious guinea fowls wandering through lush palms and ferns with wide, astonished eyes. The tropical setting is rendered with freely drawn lines and overlapping colors, creating a rich and immersive visual experience.

Melon
(1943 – 4 colors)

An outstanding example of Gudme Leth’s floral work from the 1940s, Melon showcases her use of joyful, vibrant colors and the technical innovation of overprinting to create new tonal depths. The elements—leaves, fruits, and flowers—intertwine organically across the fabric, making pattern repeats nearly invisible. Reminiscent of William Morris, the design merges lush botanical inspiration with a lighter, more Nordic sensibility. Influences from folk art, Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, and botanical illustration also shine through in this dense and lyrical composition.

Flowers of India
(1945 – 5 colors)

One of the highlights of her orientally inspired designs, Flowers of India draws on Indian textile traditions and European chintzes imported from Asia since the 17th century. The rhythmic “tree of life” motif spans the full width of the fabric in a dynamic diagonal movement. The bold color palette—pink, lime, light blue, and brown—evokes both tradition and modernity. At its debut in the Horticultural Society’s exhibition in Frederiksberg Gardens, a reviewer enthused:

“It is so wonderfully rich in drawing and color that she truly deserves to be carried on a golden throne…”

This pattern marked a turning point in her career, uniting global influences with Nordic elegance.

Cherry
(1946 – 6 colors)

One of Marie Gudme Leth’s most iconic patterns, Cherry depicts birds nestled among cherry and peach branches in a light, elegant composition. Queen Ingrid of Denmark selected it for one of the princesses’ rooms at the royal palace, contributing to its lasting fame. Created during the German occupation, the joyful color scheme and floral motif were intended to bring light and cheer into people’s homes. It was also the first pattern to use photographic transfers for greater precision in screen printing—testament to Gudme Leth’s continual pursuit of innovation.

International Orders

We’re happy to ship internationally!

Currently, our website does not support international orders. Please email us at gudmeleth@gudmeleth.dk, and we’ll gladly assist you.