modesty in a bourgeois failing

[mO_ok]

Hello,

I'm confused about this expression from 'Landed Gently' by Alan Hunter. Here a tapestry master is explaining how he has simplified his work (the action is taking place at around 50s):

As a result of these techniques we are very much a commercial proposition. We produce striking and original tapestry
– modesty in a bourgeois failing – in a comparatively short time and at a comparatively low price, while the
use of pure tones makes our work about as fade-proof as it comes.

Could you help me by explaining or paraphrasing it?

 

[velisarius]

modesty is a bourgeois failing

 

[entangledbank]

I would suggest 'in' is an error for 'is'. We are not modest about our striking and original work, because we are not bourgeois, we are refined.

 

[mO_ok]

Thank you both for the explanation! ^_^