Accession Number

983.635.001.001

Description

One in a pair of long woven wool curtains. The background is black and the principal pattern is of gold coloured leaves and flowers. The flowers are accented in red. The vertically repeating pattern is of a round flower circled in short stubby petals. The vines have large rough-edged leaves and the gold passion-flowers throughout the pattern are fringed along the top in red. The curtain panel is bordered on all sides with a long loosely curving stylized vine. There are six brass rings attached to the top edge of the curtain panel.

Narrative

The history of use and aesthetic qualities of the curtains and tiebacks comprising this set makes them important assets in The Castle Society's collection. 

History of Use

These circa 1885 curtains and tiebacks were first used at Armadale, the James Bay (Victoria, B.C.) residence of Senator and Mrs. William John Macdonald. The set was then inherited by their daughter, Flora Alexandra Macdonald (aka Mrs. Gavin Burns), and then by Flora's daughter, Katrina Patricia Macdonald (aka Mrs. Thomas Gardiner Keir), who gave them to The Castle Society sometime before 1984. Mr. and Mrs. Keir were founding members of The Castle Society in 1959.

Date

circa 1885

Dimensions

344.5 x 130.5 cm

Material

Fabric, wool

Technique

Woven