The Cottage Orné Quilt

The Cottage Orné Quilt
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Saturday 17 November 2012

Martha Edlin's Casket.

I haven't posted much on 17th Century British Embroidery but I absolutely love it and only wish I could afford one tiny piece, but it's mega bucks, so that's only a dream.

I recently found a video about this stupendous casket which is in the British Galleries (Room 56d, case 6) at the V&A. These galleries are an absolute must if you visit London and are interested in our decorative history - don't miss them!  They are full of the most glorious things but they take some time, make a day of it!


Here is the link to the video - I hope you enjoy it?

The panels forming these caskets were sold drawn in outline on silk or fine linen and the girls worked them in their chosen coloured silks, using different techniques and sometimes adding beads and spangles.  They were then made up into caskets, or mirrors etc., by professionals.  Prior to working such a masterpiece, the girls would have made smaller items culminating in a band sampler. Unusually Martha Edlin's are still with her casket which makes it a unique object.


You will see other things inside the box!  Enjoy!

Here is the link to the full band sampler.


3 comments:

Liz said...

Thank you for this link Mary. I have seen the casket at the V&A and it's so lovely to be able to see all sides and inside too. What amazing work! The V&A has a super website doesn't it - there's is always something interesting to read.

Andrea said...

Thank you so much for posting the link! I am full of respect and admiration for this skilful needlework made at the age of 11 years... just wonderful.

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