Honiton (East Devon) lace sprig
This horse chestnut leaf and flower are made from East Devon bobbin lace. The leaves have raised veins and are worked in both whole and half stitch. One small section has raised leadworks. The spray of flowers is made with ribbed and rolled petals, a technique which enhances the three dimensional effect. The stamens are also worked with a rib. This 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. They were made on a lace pillow using bobbins wound with fine cotton threads.
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.
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.
- 19/1931/2
- 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
