They are found less often, especially in the United States. The names of the embroidered ladies rarely appeared in the work and are rarely known. They are small, and measure less than ten inches across. They also are very subtle. Most were done in England and occasionally in America. Their beauty is very delicate and requires a close look to appreciate it.
Their designs were classical scenes, or characters from myths and legends. While some domestic scenes were also very popular in the nineteenth century. Please look for couched metallic thread, especially in accents. Look also for embroidered faces and hands. Because of the great difficulty in embroidering these areas, they were sometimes painted or drawn in.
I invite all to visit the web-site of The Historic Needlework Guild. A marvelous site with an ongoing mission to preserve the history of needlework.
With a dollar of each membership fee, they graciously donate to a designated museum or historical site. In 1998, the recipients were Colonial Willliamsburg and Sulgrave Manor, George Washington's ancestral home in England. These were used specifically for the acquisition and/or preservation of needlwork, or to assist the Textile Department. Hats off...to the Historic Needlwork Guild.
SOURCES
Embroiderers Guild of America (E.G.A.)
EGAHQ @ aol.com
Amy Finkel
M. Finkel and Daughter
936 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA
Skinner, Inc.
357 Main Street
Boston, MA
Phillips International
101 New Bond Street
London, W1Y OAS
44-171-629-6602 (textile department)
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