Textiles

French silk and wool Coriolanus scenes go well over predictions in US auction

When a c.1890 May Morris for Morris & Co embroidery came up for sale at Toomey & Co (27% buyer’s premium), the timing was less than perfect for the midwestern lady who was destined to become its new owner.

Here we focus on three events this summer of interest to textiles enthusiasts

A notable collection of textiles from English aristocrat and society hostess Lady Ottoline Morrell (1873-1938) attracted considerable interest at Dominic Winter (22% buyer’s premium) in Cirencester.

A diminutive Quaker pin cushion made to raise funds for a pioneering mental health hospital in York has sold for a remarkable sum at Woolley & Wallis.

Collection amassed by Christie’s veteran Hugo Morley-Fletcher includes ‘special group’ of porcelain

Choice examples of British embroidery crossed the block at Brunk Auctions (23% buyer’s premium) in Asheville, North Carolina.

A mid-19th century papier-mâché globe sewing table from Birmingham, part of the legacy of a South American collector, has found its way to Heidelberg, where it is being sold by Metz on March 21-22.

A recent Fine & Decorative sale at Roseberys (26/25% buyer’s premium) was led by a very fine Berlin tapestry.

'The London Antique Rug & Textile Art Fair' (LARTA) was launched in 2011 and is the UK’s leading annual fair dedicated to the appreciation of antique rug and textile art.

Pin cushions, including an early 19th century example made from a silk dress believed to be worn by Caroline of Brunswick (1768-1821), were a major feature of a recent auction at Warwick-based Bleasdales’ (20% buyer’s premium).

The spectacular Victorian and Edwardian firework displays conducted by the venerable Mitcham firm of James Pain & Sons were often accompanied by special silk souvenir programmes.

Manual relating to church charity schools is the latest example of its type to impress in a saleroom

Four items including an Irish harp and William Morris designs boasted a family connection to the artist

The highest price at auction for a Bristol orphanage sampler was registered at Mellors & Kirk (24% buyer’s premium) in Nottingham.

A rare version of Eric Ravilious' Child’s Handkerchief print and a scarcely seen Doulton figure emerged in North Yorkshire