Featured Anyone know anything about this? Embroidery?

I come here humbly asking for any information about this piece of artwork. I admit that I know exactly zero information about this type of thing.

This belongs to my grandma. I think she purchased it like this and doesn’t know much about it. I am trying to help her sell some of her things, but I keep running into trouble because I am so uneducated when it comes to values and antique/collectible information in general. I was very surprised at how neat the back side looked. I was expecting it to be messy. This group has been helpful, so I thought I might as well as you to educate me a bit. Thanks!

 

I did a search on the label, and it looks like that company was founded in 1867. Not sure how long they continued production, but it was a silk mill.

I just love piecing together the historical information when it comes to antiques. It is such a cool thing to feel the connection with our history.

 

That’s beautiful!

 

I think so, too!
I’m amazed at the color, and can’t even imagine how the artist was able to make it look like that. I am really curious to see if anyone here can explain!

 

It's a tablecover, isn't it? Not artwork per se. Art Nouveau Poppies. Turn of 20th century-ish.

Debora

 

It could be a table cover! It’s not big enough to be a blanket, but not small enough to make sense as a wall hanging. I truly have no idea, though!

 

I found a really neat pamphlet for the company that made the Roman Floss!
https://ia800301.us.archive.org/8/items/embroiderysilks00brai/embroiderysilks00brai.pdf

 

It would be helpful if you posted the dimensions of your piece.

Debora

 

Yes, of course, they would! I didn’t measure it when I was there, but I have sent a message to see if my grandma can tell me what the dimensions are. I admit, I’m not doing a great job of helping her, but I’m trying. This is not my strength, but I am a stay at home mom, and I felt that I would like to offer her whatever help I am able to give while my kiddos are in school. She has also very generously offered to share her proceeds with me, although I would have done this for free. My grandparents are such good people, and I’m honored to be able to be a part of this whole process. ❤️

 

She's fortunate to have you to help.

Debora

 

Brainerd and Armstrong published several booklets on embroidery techniques and designs between at least 1898 and 1910. The full text of one from 1908 is here:
https://archive.org/details/cu31924085658643/page/n1/mode/2up

 

Are these poppies? It looks like silk threads. Absolutely beautiful. It’s a masterpiece. Very pretty.

 

The colors in your grandmother's piece are WONDERFUL!!! SO fine, bright and crisp!!! Hoping you can find a good venue for it!!! Tagging @Northern Lights Lodge who might also have some suggestions!! AND that's a GREAT link from @2manybooks!!!

 

Looks like an unfinished (raw edges) antique panel or tablecloth of society silk hand embroidered scarlet poppies. Embroidery Lessons, pg 35 (The Brainerd & Armstrong Co).

I personally would not wash or iron it before selling. I've always soaked mine but unless you're familiar with soaking vintage linens, I would sell "as is".

Society silk items can bring a goodly sum. Larger pieces are much harder to find. Doing a search for antique or vintage society silk doilies, runners, or tablecloths should help you with pricing.

 

Depending on the measurement it could be referred to as a "luncheon cloth" (smaller than a tablecloth).

Also, the reason I mention not ironing is because many collectors do not like stains to be ironed. I noticed a few light stains in yours.

Are you able to provide a close up photo of the embroidery on the back side?

 

The measurements are 34 by 34 inches. I am heading over there soon, so I can get more photos of the back side. The third photo down is of the back side. Do you need it to be closer than that one?

 

No, your closeup of the back is good. Measurements would make it a small luncheon cloth, table centerpiece or could just refer to it as a panel. This is just exquisite.

 

Thank you for the info! I couldn’t believe that was the back side when I first saw it. I thought maybe it was machine made because it seemed so perfect.

 

Well, dang! Late to the party! But, wow! what a gorgeous piece! I think everyone is spot on! What a lovely piece!
Yes, I'm sure your grandmother will be happy for any help you can give her! What a nice reason for you to spend together!
If she's wanting to sell it - no, I wouldn't wash it or even try to iron it... it is lovely condition and I don't think doing anything to it would improve it's value. It is great on it's own merit!
Leslie