Biddle and Web have this magnificent embroidered quilt for sale - Lot 418 - in their auction on 10 January 2014.
Why am I astonished to learn that this 19th Century embroidered patchwork quilt with its Cosmati-style borders and embroidered panels of birds, butterflies and flowers was worked by the vendor's great grandfather while stationed in the army in Malta c.1860? I have seen similar large quilts made from army jacket remnants, but none so far with embroidered panels.
The quilt measures approx. 9ft square and has an estimate of : £500 - £800. For more details, click here.
Oh what a story there, Jacqueline! Did he take the fabrics in his kit, lol, buy them in Malta, who embroidered the panels..... nosy minds need to know! My grandfather who began his naval career with the rank of Boy at Gallipoli, did macrame and made rag rugs but no stitching.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to know who did the embroidery too. Am I being a chauvinist by thinking he may have had some help with that? How wonderful to hear about your grandfather - do you have any of his macramé or rugs still?
ReplyDeleteNo, sadly, though I remember one of the rugs in front of the sofa. I do have a copper kettle he made but have never used it to make a cup of tea! Must admit, it makes two of us with the embroidery!
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