Sailors’ Woolwork with Flags of Alliance 

One of the best sailors’ woolwork pictures with the maker’s ship depicted with flags of alliance at the time of the Crimean War.

A leafy wreath surrounds the ship in open seas, the stowed anchor made from tortoiseshell; there is a tortoiseshell frame stitched beneath this containing a photograph, perhaps of the makers’ parents. The flags are all suspended from gilt metal spearheaded poles, and the wreath, with blue silk title ribbon, the name now faded away, is surmounted with a bead-decorated crown and the Lion of the British Empire. Interestingly, the flag of the United States is included alongside those of the members of the alliance although America was only in Europe to observe the conflict; America’s inclusion a matter of propaganda.
Garlands of flowers representing the four nations arch around this central design and to either side of the photograph are a pair of gilded card cannons.

Within a bird’s eye maple frame period to the works, circa 1856.

o.s: 33.5 ins x 25.5 ins