Accession Number

984.054

Description

A green satin table cover with a ruffled trim. The front is decorated with wool crewel embroidery in browns and golds in a large Jacobean inspired floral and vine-like pattern. The back is fully lined in the same fabric.

Narrative

Crewel work is a style of surface embroidery characterized by the use of wool threads. A free embroidery technique, the design is drawn or transferred onto a support fabric, traditionally a tight weave cotton twill to support the weight of the wool, and then stitched over. Crewel on silk, like this piece, is much less common. Crewel work uses a large variety of stitches. Generally the design only covers a portion of the support fabric. The variety of stitches and techniques used in crewel work results in a textured and vibrant effect. Crewel work is strongly associated with English Jacobean embroidery designs that feature stylized floral and animal designs, although the technique can be used with any style of design.

Dimensions

82 x 127 cm

Material

Fabric, silk, satin; Thread, wool

Technique

Embroidered