Honiton (East Devon) lace sprig
This rhododendron sprig is one of a series of naturalistic sprigs (lace motifs) said to have been designed and made by Louisa Tucker, a daughter of the Branscombe lace manufacturer John Tucker. These finely made pieces are naturalistic representations of wild and garden plants found in East Devon. They were made on a lace pillow using bobbins wound with fine cotton threads.
This motif represents a flowerhead surrounded by leaves, and a butterfly. The flowers and leaves are mainly worked in wholestitch. The butterfly wings are worked in half-stitch with an unusual use of rib at the edges. Ribbed and rolled work helps to give a three dimensional effect to the design.
John Tucker’s successful family business had an office in London run by his son. The firm had the distinction of supplying lace to HRH Princess Alexandra for her marriage to Albert Edward in 1863. Her wedding lace now forms part of the Royal Collections held by HM the Queen.
This motif represents a flowerhead surrounded by leaves, and a butterfly. The flowers and leaves are mainly worked in wholestitch. The butterfly wings are worked in half-stitch with an unusual use of rib at the edges. Ribbed and rolled work helps to give a three dimensional effect to the design.
John Tucker’s successful family business had an office in London run by his son. The firm had the distinction of supplying lace to HRH Princess Alexandra for her marriage to Albert Edward in 1863. Her wedding lace now forms part of the Royal Collections held by HM the Queen.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 19/1931/12
- Category
- Decorative Art
- Collection Class
- Textiles and equipment
- Material
- cotton
- Common Name
- Honiton (East Devon) lace sprig
- Simple Name
- lace sprig
- Period Classification
- Victorian (1837-1901)
- Production Town
- Branscombe
- Production County
- Devon
- Production Country
- United Kingdom: England
- Production Person Initials
- Louisa
- Production Person Surname
- Tucker
- Production Year Low
- 1870
- Production Year High
- 1880
