SOLD

Prosperpine
c 1888

designed by Miss Ellen Welby for the Art Designer 1888, the figure holding an apple and draped in a classical dress, the outline and folds of her dress embroidered in yellow/gold coloured silks, the background densely worked, 2 ft x 10 in; 60 x 26 cm.

Comments

Proserpine was the goddess of the Underworld, daughter of Ceres and wife of Pluto who carried her off to the underworld. 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 aprice 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 HI & RH 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. Ellen Welby, born 1852 in Canterbury, daughter of William Welby, High Bailiff in County Court, Canterbury. 1881 census shows her occupation as Artist. Morris, Barbara Victorian Embroidery p 94,113, 136-7 17 Parry, Linda Textiles of the Arts & Crafts Movement p 129-30 I am selling the three pieces together.

Condition

Excellent. Unused. Slight foxing to the surround.