Uncut Waistcoat Panel

DateCa. 1715

MediumCotton embroidered with linen in satin, French knots, eyelets, drawn work, herringbone, outline, buttonhole and couching.

DimensionsOL: 41 1/2" OW: 19 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1991-148

DescriptionUnmade waistcoat front heavily embroidered with whitework needlework. Shaped waistcoat front (right side) stitched to rectangular backing fabric, with heavily worked whitework stitched through both textiles. The design consists of dense stylized flowers and scrolls in a band down front and hem, and outlining the reserve where the shaped pocket flap would be positioned. Stitches include satin, (some worked in zig-zag pattern,) French knots, eyelets, drawn work, herringbone, outline, buttonhole and couching. Inked drawing of pattern is visible beneath some of the stitches.
ProvenanceAttributed to the wife of General Forster, Northumberland. Hand written paper tag (written in late eighteenth century hand) states, "This Waistcoat breast was wrought by the wife of General Forster of Adderston House Northum{berland} in the year 1{715} (torn.)