Beadwork basket, English, glass beads and lampwork on wire frame, about 1660-70
Key information
Museum number
2013.2
Object
Beadwork basket, English, glass beads and lampwork on wire frame, about 1660-70
Gallery label
Beadwork basket showing Charles II and Catherine of Braganza
English; the beads probably from Venice or Amsterdam; the lampwork from Venice or Nevers
Glass, pearl, coral, wood, metal wire and linen, about 1660–70
2013.2
Acquired with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Art Fund, BEDFAS, Manny and Brigitta Davidson, Polly Devlin, The Norie Trust, Dr Tricia Wilson Nguyen, Patricia Robertson-Glasgow and many other individual donors
Like silk embroidery, beadwork was a fashionable pastime for amateur girls and women in wealthy households. They were taught the art in much the same way that they were taught other forms of needlework and embroidery. However, whereas most silk embroideries are now much faded, here the glass beads retain their astonishingly vibrant colours. The composition is made from thousands of beads of varying sizes and colours that have been skilfully threaded onto fine wires and attached to the mesh-like basket frame. The use of lampworked glass heads and hands on the Royal figures is exceptionally rare and important.
English; the beads probably from Venice or Amsterdam; the lampwork from Venice or Nevers
Glass, pearl, coral, wood, metal wire and linen, about 1660–70
2013.2
Acquired with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Art Fund, BEDFAS, Manny and Brigitta Davidson, Polly Devlin, The Norie Trust, Dr Tricia Wilson Nguyen, Patricia Robertson-Glasgow and many other individual donors
Like silk embroidery, beadwork was a fashionable pastime for amateur girls and women in wealthy households. They were taught the art in much the same way that they were taught other forms of needlework and embroidery. However, whereas most silk embroideries are now much faded, here the glass beads retain their astonishingly vibrant colours. The composition is made from thousands of beads of varying sizes and colours that have been skilfully threaded onto fine wires and attached to the mesh-like basket frame. The use of lampworked glass heads and hands on the Royal figures is exceptionally rare and important.
On display?
Yes
