SOLD

Ceres
c 1880

designed by Miss Ellen Welby for The Art Designer 1888, the figure holding a sheath of grain, foliage and fruit, draped in a classical dress, the outline and folds of her dress embroidered in burnt orange silk, the background densely worked in gold silks on linen, presented in a dark green and gold wooden frame. 26 x 11 in; 66.5 x 28.5 cm.

Comments

This and Hygeia are to be sold together. They could be removed from their modernish frames. Ceres was the Goddess of Agriculture and motherly love. A set symbolising The Four Seasons was published in The Art Designer: A Portfolio of full-sized Designs for Art Work of all kinds in 1887-9. The magazine was edited by Mrs Conyers Morrell with the special intention of providing high-class designs for painting, needlework, wood carving, brass repousse etc. and at a price with practically places them within the reach of all who are interested in artistic pursuits. Each number contains from 12-20 full sized designs reproduced in facsimile from the artists' original drawings ..... Printed quarterly by John Heywood of London and Manchester, with an annual subscription of 4 s. It was subscribed to by HRH The Princess of Wales and HRH The Crown Princess of Germany. On the front cover of May 1888 are Proserpine, Ceres and Hygeia designed by Ellen Welby. Other designs are shown inside also by Ellen. Morris, Barbara Victorian Embroidery p 94,113, 136-7 17 Parry, Linda Textiles of the Arts & Crafts Movement p 129-30

Condition

Excellent. The top edge is slightly discoloured and a small piece has been removed to the top left corner, but this does not detract from the appearance. There is not a split to the embroidery, it is the reflection on the glass.