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Gt Exhibition Cloth
c 1851

block printed on wool with 223 blocks and copper plates with the Arms of Great Britain surrounded by other nations, the border with In Tanu Labor At Tanuis Non Gloria Laborare est orare Quod Omnium Gentiuitannos AD MDCCCLI Artificia Apud Briexposita Aommemoret to two sides and then repeated to the two others, with VA at the corners, 6 x 5ft 5 in;80 x 65 cm

Comments

A remarkable piece. In The Official Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue (Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, 1851) Vol 2. London, Royal Commission: 1851:Class 18,p 554, cat 22 Underwood, William. 1 Vere Street, Oxfrod Street, Manufacturer. Printed cloth table-cover, commemorative of the Great Exhibition. The printing of this cover has taken 223 blocks and copper plates. In the cetntre are the arms of Great Britain, surrounded by those of the principal nations of the globe, with suitable inscriptions. This table-cover is represented in the accompanying (sic) Plate 47. Underwood may have commissioned the cloth rather than manufactured it, because his name cannot be found listed as a calico printer. The design of the table-cover which was undertaken by a Mr Slocombe, is typical of the many handkerchiefs of the period showing th flags or ensigns of different nations. In the 1881 British Census Charles P Slocombe is listed as being an Artist Master (Professor) in Art School, Science & Art Department, S Kensington. He lived at 10 Rockhall Terrace, Edgeware Road. My thanks to Philip Sykas, Research Associate, Textiles/Fashion Dept, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester for his input.

Condition

There was a 2 1/2 in.6 cm tear and another 1 1/2 in. 4 cm, which I have had conserved very successfully. There is some overall fading to this piece which you should be able to be seen in the photo.