Printed Textile Document, Defense of Gibraltar

Date1783-1784

MediumLinen Warp, Cotton Weft

DimensionsOverall: 85 x 30in. (215.9 x 76.2cm) Other (Design Repeat): 34 x 30in. (86.4 x 76.2cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1966-479

DescriptionEnglish "Furniture" print that was probably once a bed curtain. Copperplate-printed in blue to commemorate "Brave Elliot's Defense of Gibraltar in 1782." Print shows the fortification on Gibraltar and a raging sea battle with mythological scenes that includes spouting whales, angels, and cherubs with garlands and streamers that proclaim, "Your FAME, Inglorious France and Spain/ Sunk by Brave ELLIOT'S Coup de Main/1782." Portrait medallions show Gen. Elliot, along with Nassau, De Chillon, and Capt. Curtis. The textile is hemmed at top and bottom, with selvages at each side. Ground textile is plain-woven natural color linen warp and cotton weft. Textile is irregularly faded.
Label TextEnglish printed textiles of a large scale were typically referred as "furnitures." By 1842, The British Register of Designs designated that all prints over 12 inches by 8 inches were to be considered furnitures. While this was stated over fifty years after this piece was created, this stylistically remains true for earlier time periods.

The scene depicted on this textile took place during the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779-1783) during which the English defended the fortress against allies France and Spain. "Brave ELLIOT" refers to General Sir George Augustus Eliott, later first Baron Heathfield. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 secured Gibraltar to the British.

This long panel was probably once a bed curtain from a larger bedroom suite with matching window curtains, bed hangings, and furniture slip covers.