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SAILOR WOOL

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage


About this object

Sailor wools, or "woolies," are needlework pictures created largely by British sailors to pass the long hours during their travels at sea. Sailors were self-taught needle workers who turned their skills at repairing sails and mending their own clothing into this charming form of folk art.

In the center of the needlework is a medallion embroidered with a frigate facing to the left. The ship's hull is black, the sails are white, the sky is beige and the sea is green. The ship flies the Union Jack off the rear of the ship. Above the medallion is a crown with two flags. To the right and left of the crown are four flags each. The flags are naval ensigns from before 1864. Attached to the bottom are the ends of two cannons. Below the medallion and flags is a red rose with a spray of leaves extending from each side. To the sides and above the medallion are embroidered draperies with tassels in various colors. In an antique wooden frame.

Object name:
SAILOR WOOL
Made from:
Wool
Made in:
England
Date made:
1840-1880
Size:
41.9 × 57.2 cm (16 1/2 × 22 1/2 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
43.24
Class:
NEEDLEWORK
Signature marks:
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973