Victorian Needlework Info

Hey all:

I purchased this large piece in southern Illinois over the weekend. I know very little about Victorian needlework, but I liked this piece.

So: I assume this is American. Any ideas about date? What kind of needlework is this? Are the piece and the frame approximately the same age?

I like the walnut frame as much as the needlework. The frame is 23" wide x 27" high. The dimensions of the piece are about 17.5" wide x 21.5" high, but probably slightly larger to account for the frame. The original wood backing has been replaced by cardboard. I do not see any sign of initials or a name.

So, here are my guesses (and that's all they are). American, ca. 1870, replacement value $150.

 

I think what you have is crewelwork, traditionally wool embroidery on a linen background.
I would remove the cardboard backing asap as the acids from the cardboard will leach into the fabric, causing potentially permanent damage.
If you have a museum with a textile department in your area, I think it would be worth your time to get their opinion as to age, that would help you to establish value.

 

The frame may be 1870,but to my eye that embroidery is more 1940s.The colors look more modern.

 

And so bright that it might be even newer than that, Johnny. 60s? Old frame re-used for new work in the old style? For that "Early American" look that was so popular then? I remember kits for this kind of thing back then.

 

Photos of the back of the piece. Any further opinions on hand/machine, date and that $125 replacement value?

Thanks!

 

Hi,
In my option that is a newer piece. The older pieces look the same on the reverse. They were really well done at the time. These look like some pieces I have tried to do. Look fine on the front but the back no so good.
greg

 

OK, for those with any interest, here's my conclusions after consulting a lifelong "stitcher," one who associates with collectors and has inherited antique pieces as well:

The piece is mostly embroidery floss on linen, which explains the slightly brighter colors. It's a combination of machine work (mostly) and hand work. BTW, machines for embroidery date back to the 1820s. The piece actually has quite a bit of thread on the back even if it's not a mirror-image of the front. Most such pieces, especially handmade ones, had a minimum amount of thread on the back. This one may have initially been intended as a fireplace screen or as a piece of bedding.

The frame, although not as elaborate as some, still boasts typically Victorian features such as almost-shadbow box depth, burl panels, gilt, and ebonized elements.

The pictorial motif is based on the Jacobean Tree of Life, and the bird may actually be a phoenix, with its association with rebirth. There is every reason to believe that the crewel work piece and its frame are from the same time period, ca. 1880-1900, perhaps closer to 1880. Replacement value is around $250.

Thanks everybody for all your input!

 

Thanks for letting us know.
I was wondering whether the fabric that was used is one piece, that was hemmed like a linen handkerchief, or several pieces sewn together. Or, perhaps what looks like seams are simply folds in the fabric.
TIA

 

I always thought that crewelwork only used wool in the embroidery ?? Oh well, live and learn I suppose .. Joy.

 

Hi TIA:

You're right, the fabric is simply folded over at each edge.

Joy: You know more than I knew a week ago. It's been a learning experience. Apparently crewelwork can use wool, embroidery floss, or silk, with the brightness of the colors varying accordingly.