British Sailor's Woolwork of The Sailor's Farewell

British Sailor's Woolwork of The Sailor's Farewell.

Circa 1865.

This is a particularly lovely example of this rare sailor's woolie subject. The Sailor’s Farewell and the Sailor's Return are a romantic motif found in British art of the 19th century.  Here we have the farewell depicting a sailor in uniform with his loved one hugging him as they stand by their red-bricked house which is located by the seashore.  In the background stands a fort flying the Union Jack.  A ship with the White ensign can be seen in the bay behind the figures flying its commissioning pendant.  This particular woolwork has a complex design with different colored fields, tree lines, and an unusual topography in general.

The colors of the wool remain strong.

Dimensions: 23 1/2 inches high  x 24 1/2 inches wide

The Sailor’s Return’ is a common romantic motif in British art of the 19th century. Here a sailor, who has recently reached shore, is returning to his village, with his rucksack on his back and his earnings in hand, as his wife and dog run to greet him.

Reference: Liverpool Maritime Museum has a punch bowl with the following verses (http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/online/exhibitions/romance/sailorsfarewell.asp)  
   

THE SAILOR'S FAREWELL
Far from Home across the Sea
To foreign climes I go
While far away O think of me
And I'll remember you

THE SAILOR'S RETURN
Now safe returned from dangers past
With joy I hail the shore
And fear no more the tempest's blast
Nor Oceans angry roar.

The TOKEN on JACK'S safe return
If YOU love's I as I love's YOU
NO PAIR as happy as WE TWO.

(Ref: NY9875-ILRR)

Dimensions

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Stock number