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Thursday, 29 September 2011

Mrs Jenner's Casket

Born Leonora Stewart, she took as her second husband in 1899 Leopold Jenner, son of William Jenner who was physician to Queen Victoria. And in 1902, Leopold bought Avebury Manor in Wiltshire and the couple invested their labours in bringing the house back to its former glory, Leopold took charge of the estate and Leonora tasked herself with furnishings and embroideries. Here is one example of her neo-Stuart works, a casket signed and dated 1940. The front panels show scenes from Abraham and Isaac and is smothered with fruits, flowers, insects and birds - many three dimensional - which you might be able to see from the top of the casket itself. Leonora did not confine herself to Avebury alone. When Leopold's brother, Sir Walter Jenner, purchased Lyte's Cary Manor in 1907 (now a National Trust property) to rescue it from ruin, Leonora set to work there also and you can still see there in the Great Parlour an impressive stumpwork mirror frame that she embroidered. However, many of her items have been sold and you may just possibly come across them - so keep your eyes peeled!
Posted by N E E D L E P R I N T at 16:09

7 comments:

  1. Lida29 September 2011 at 18:54

    What a beautiful box is this, what I want to know is of the box was specially made to be embroidered or did she use a ordinary box and upgraded that! I really admire her work, greetings
    Lida

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  2. N E E D L E P R I N T29 September 2011 at 20:04

    We don't really know - but I suspect she commissioned the box on the model of earlier Stuart boxes especially for this purpose.

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  3. Jayne Lindley30 September 2011 at 12:37

    A couple of weeks ago I visited Sudeley Castle in the Midlands. They have a beautiful Stumpwork casket there and you can sit and watch a video for 15 mins giving you the history and also showing you all the secret compartments inside. The exhibition also has some needlelace done by Anne Boleyn which is well worth looking at. Jayne

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  4. N E E D L E P R I N T30 September 2011 at 16:20

    We love Sudeley too - you might enjoy these blogposts one of which includes a video of that amazing casket! http://needleprint.blogspot.com/2011/05/emma-dent-embroidery-collection-at.html
    http://needleprint.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-secrets-in-your-drawers.html

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  5. Josie16 December 2011 at 21:36

    I am the lucky owner of a Jenner stumpwork box. It depicts Avebury Manor and is signed and dated 1939. Its form is very similar the the one featured above and depicts the 'senses', amongst many other creatures, insects and flowers. The colours are, in the main, still very vibrant and I find it fascinating to study all the intricate stitches and techniques used. Leonora was truly expert needlewoman!

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  6. N E E D L E P R I N T16 December 2011 at 21:51

    That is so interesting Josie - I think we have found another piece also - is it possible for you to email me please? Just click on the flying angel in the right column of the blog.

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  7. Josie18 December 2011 at 18:12

    sorry, having looked again I see that the box is actually dated 1936-1937.

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