Soldier's Woolwork

During the second half of the Victorian era, the British soldier, when being conveyed to foreign shores, met with sailors and saw how they made their woolwork pictures. The same need to maintain uniforms meant that these soldiers were also skilled with needle and thread and so it was that they picked up on the idea of making woolwork pictures, initially copying the maritime output of the sailors but soon after developing their own styles with regimental honours, flags of allegiance, cannon and stacks of balls and, peculiar to the soldier, vases of flowers, often surrounded by draped curtains. Their pictures would sometimes incorporate a banner with the legend ‘Leisure Hours in India’. 

Offered here is an uncommonly fine soldier's woolwork picture, probably made by a soldier of a Prince of Wales regiment.

The uppermost cartouche is designed with an emblazoned dove and angels to either side; a banner reading ‘Good Will Towards All’, and Britannia seated. Beneath this is a Prince of Wales Helm and the Royal Coat of Arms with Lion and Unicorn supporters. Along the base line is the banner with the legend DIEU ET MON DROIT, emblems of the nations making up the United Kingdom, crossed cannon and rifles. All within a fine bird’s eye maple veneered frame.

Retaining good colour and dating from around 1880.

25.5 ins x 23 ins.

Price

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Stock number