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Lot 367 SHIP'S WOOLWORKS
As is usual with Folk or naive artwork, few woolworks are found which are signed or dated. However most depict British ships so we have to assume that making woolwork marine pictures is a British artform, and because most depict ships of the Royal Navy as opposed to merchant ships, we have to conclude that most were made by sailors from the Navy. Embroidery is in effect an extension of their trade: the maintenance of sails and their own clothes. Moreover, the canvas found on woolworks is in many instances the same as the canvas used for sails. Because life on board a ship was cramped and busy, there would not have been a lot of time or space to make and keep embroidery frames. It is probable therefore that many woolworks were made by sailors on home leave or in recuperation in Naval rest homes or hospitals. They are above all Patriotic: virtually all examples depict actual serving ships and many are found glorifying Nelson and Britain.
As is usual with Folk or naive artwork, few woolworks are found which are signed or dated. However most depict British ships so we have to assume that making woolwork marine pictures is a British artform, and because most depict ships of the Royal Navy as opposed to merchant ships, we have to conclude that most were made by sailors from the Navy. Embroidery is in effect an extension of their trade: the maintenance of sails and their own clothes. Moreover, the canvas found on woolworks is in many instances the same as the canvas used for sails. Because life on board a ship was cramped and busy, there would not have been a lot of time or space to make and keep embroidery frames. It is probable therefore that many woolworks were made by sailors on home leave or in recuperation in Naval rest homes or hospitals. They are above all Patriotic: virtually all examples depict actual serving ships and many are found glorifying Nelson and Britain.
A VICTORIAN WOOLWOORK PICTURE OF A SHIP
THIRD QUARTER 19TH CENTURY
Closed21 June 2011
Price Realised
GBP 1,875