Crewel Work
1690-1730

A very rare monochrome early piece of 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 Thornton, Peter Baroque and Rococo Silks p 85 The V & A has a similar designed piece but in 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. Nevinson, John L Catalogue of English Domestic Embroidery V & A Museum, plate XLVI p 63 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.

Cataloguing

the natural twill weave cotton embroidered in indigo wool 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 whole piece 4 ft x 34 in or 1.22m x 87 cm wide

Condition

Very good. This piece has been washed by a conservator and conserved. There were quite a few holes, which we have conserved by backing with similar twill weave linen. You will see that some of the wool has come away. As for detailed photos. Once mounted onto a stretcher and hung this piece would look stunning.

Price: on request

Ref N°: 6442a