TEXTILES
Objects in the Textiles Collection
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A group of 18th century embroidered sofa and chair covers and a related conversation piece by Joseph Highmore.
The group of twenty two embroidered sofa and chair covers were almost certainly worked by Jane Vigor, possibly with a circle of friends, having descended in the same family with the painting. The small group portrait by Joseph Highmore includes Jane Vigor, who holds up an example of her embroidery.
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Military Quilt
Traditionally made from wool serge or woven worsted twill, used in the production of military uniforms, military, or soldiers' quilts, are often referred to as Crimean quilts. This complex quilt was reputedly made by one William Brayley of the Devonshire Regiment
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The Devonshire Hunting Tapestries
The four 15th century tapestries with hunting scenes which came from the estate of The Dukes of Devonshire probably belonged to the celebrated Countess of Shrewsbury, known as `Bess of Hardwick' from her house in Derbyshire.
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Diasporas Hanging Textiles
Diasporas is the latest in a series of textile hangings by Norma Starszakowna which relate directly to the history and memories embedded in walls and buildings.
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Fukusa
This Japanese gift cover came to Britain as the result of a misunderstanding.
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Sampler
This embroidery, a confession by a young English woman, is unique in the Museum’s collection in its austerity and poignancy. We describe it as a sampler, which was usually a decorative schoolroom exercise in this period of the 19th century, but the laboriousness of Elizabeth Parker’s sampler reveals much more than just her skill in stitching.
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The Ardabil Carpet
The Ardabil carpet was completed in 1539-40 and is the world's oldest dated carpet. Its size and beauty, together with its outstanding historical significance, makes it the most important carpet in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and one of the finest in the world.