Embroidered Pillow Cover

DateMid 18th century

Owned by Caroline FitzGerald King (1754 - 1823)

MediumSilk, cotton, linen (fiber identification by microscope)

DimensionsOL:30"; OW:13"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1952-684

DescriptionThis is a rectangular white cotton panel embroidered with yellow silk backstitches on one end in a rectangle intended for a small pillow about 11 1/2 by 14 inches in size. The unembroidered portion of the panel extends to allow for a future pillow back. The design features a central wreath enclosing a fleur-de-lis surrounded by partial wreaths and fleur-de-lis, shallow baskets of flowers, and rosettes against a background of parallel curving lines forming curved fan shapes. The embroidery is worked with 22 to 24 stitches through the white cotton face fabric and heavier linen interlining. The heavier linen interlining extends through the entire piece, not just the embroidered areas. Raw edges.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of Mr. and Mrs. William King. Mr. King was Keeper of Porcelains and Ceramics at the British Museum in the 1950s, and the descendant of the Earl of Lovelace. This embroidery belonged to his great-great-grandmother, the Baroness, Caroline King.