A very rare monochrome crewel work with a sophisticated Baroque design with a large symmetrical pattern repeat. The design is reminiscent of Italian silk damasks or velvets of the 1670's with their huge design repeats. Patterns which are symmetrical look more formal. The V & A has a similar designed piece but using red and yellow wools*. In his book Nevinson** says those derived from woven fabrics are few and rare and that was in 1938 when the book was first published. Crewel wool was an inexpensive worsted yarn or yarn of sheep's wool, where long-stapled fibres are combed parallel and closely twisted. It was quick to cover the linen backing, the finished effect bold and attractive. I am afraid I do not know what the stitches are, but they are beautiful and intricate. Close up photo avaialble.
The natural twill cotton weave ground embroidered in indigo and blue/green worsted wools with a repeating arabesque pattern of large exotic Indian inspired palmette above an acanthus vase form filled with stylised foliage, the largest design 2 ft; 60 cm h, the piece 6ft 8 in d x 3 ft w; 2.00 x 92 cm
Very good. This piece has been washed by a conservator. There were quite a few holes, which she conserved by backing with similar twill weave linen. You will see that some of the wool has come away. Ask for detailed photos. Once mounted onto a stretcher and hung this piece would look stunning.
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