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Crewel Woolwork Hangings
Late 17th c

Three marvellous lengths with huge bold sea-green leaves. These would look stunning mounted on a stretcher and hung. Clearly originally from bed hangings.

It is rare to see early crewel (worsteds) woolwork with huge leaves and in monochrome blue colouring,  normally only seen in National Trust properties. This was clearly from a much larger curtain. It may have been a curtain from a four poster bed. There is no repeat and the leaves are large. I love the way some of the leaves ends flop over the leaf.

Two labels were attached to one of the lengths, which was clearly loaned to an exhibition:  Mrs F Morrell, Black Hall, Oxford and Lent by Mrs Frederick Morrell. Elizabethan quilt. Lent buy Mrs Peel Stonfold? Mayor.  Who the original needlewoman was we have no idea. 

Cataloguing

A coiling tendril with huge leaves, many with curling tips, all with spidery veins, progressing up the hanging, using sea green wool on a natural twill weave cotton ground.

Each 19in x 4ft 10 in drop; 48 x 1.47 m

Condition

A - Very good condition considering they are about 345 years old! The edges are a little worn in places. A 2 cm darn and nearby a 1 cm hole. When this piece is mounted onto a stretcher a simple piece of similar fabric on the back will disguise these.

B - Very good condition with one small hole 1 cm slit, 14 in;  35 cm from bottom. This will hardly show when mounted up.

C -  From the top a darn under the first central leaf 3 x 2 cm and a couple of small 2 cm darns to the left hand leaf. A 4 x 2 cm darn above the lower left hand leaf.  A darn to the right of that leaf. See photos or ask for more.

Comments

https://www.oxfordhistory.org.uk/mayors/1836_1962/morrell_frederick_1899.html