Napkin

Dateca. 1727

Owned by Caroline FitzGerald King (1754 - 1823)

OriginEurope, France and Low Countries and Great Britain

MediumLinen damask; red silk marking stitches

DimensionsW: 31 1/2"; L: 45"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1952-666,5

DescriptionOne of a set of linen damask napkins or towels, each marked in red cross stitch, "C/ GK/ 13" and a white "R" in eyelets in the opposite lower corner. Napkins are woven in design commemorating the coronation of Britain's George II in 1727 (the date woven into the napkins erroneously reads "1717"). The design includes the Arms of George II and scenes of the coronation march through London and the King on his throne surrounded by members of the peerage. The woven inscription at center top reads; "THE CORNATION AND IN AUGRATION OF GEORGE AUGUSTINE KING OF GREAT: BRITAIN FRANCE AND IRELAND. DEFENDER OF THE FAITH. GOD SAVE KING GEORGE. THE CORNATION AS HE MARCHT THROUGH LONDON. 1717. " Selvages form the side finish. Narrow, 1/16" hems finish top and bottom.
Markings"C / GK / 13" (for Caroline, Baroness King) embroidered in red silk cross-stitch. "R" in white eyelets.
ProvenanceLinens purchased from Mr. William King, Keeper of Porcelain and Ceramics, British Museum, in whose family they have descended. He is direct descendant of the Sixth Baron King (wife, Caroline, Baroness King died in 1793), whose title has now been absorded by the Earldom of Lovelace. See full correspondence in object folder.