Coming up for AUCTION on July 6th, 2016 with Wolley and Wallis are several lots (62 to 66) of Swedish flat weave.
Sweden has one of the longest, indigenous tapestry weave traditions in Europe. Hand weaving in Sweden, although having to struggle along with much of the rest of Europe, against competition from industrial looms, was always seen as part of the rich rural heritage of Sweden. It was particularly favoured for domestic use and young girls were taught from an early age to be proficient in the craft.
Simple geometric patterns were incorporated into flat woven tapestries or Swedish pile rugs and carpets, adding charm and immediacy to this folk art. The colourful fabrics were originally used as either cushions, bench or bedcovers primarily woven for the young woman’s dowry and only used for special occasions. Most of the year the textile treasures were stored in chests, which kept the colours unfaded and preserved for generations.
A number of Swedish museums have extensive collections of these tapestries (See Trivia below).
COWANS auctioneers have a tramp art sewing box for sale on June 24th, Lot 387.
During the period between 1870-1930 a relatively little-known but widespread form of folk art blossomed in America. It was called Tramp Art. Made of wooden cigar boxes or produce crates, these chip-carved and layered pieces were fashioned into frames, jewelry boxes, sewing caddies, and even furniture.
Though the term Tramp Art implies that they were created by hobos, they are believed, in fact, to have been created primarily by skilled but itinerant German or Scandinavian immigrants who traveled the country selling or trading their wares.
Tramp Art shares its vocabulary with quilts. Both are made from salvaged materials, and cut into patterns of primarily geometric shapes pieced together, and layered to create utilitarian objects. Both traditions could be done in the company of others with the “how-to” passed on orally.
Another AUCTION that will be of particular interest to needleworkers is being held by Lyon and Turnbull on July 6th, 2016. There are numerous lots (569 onwards) from the collection of the late Mrs Aldyth Cadoux. These lots are a very small fraction from her collection. Amongst the items are some very rare and collectable needlework books.
Aldyth Cadoux was an accomplished embroiderer, with expertise in church embroidery and gold thread work. She had extensive knowledge of fabrics, especially ancient fabrics, which she developed during her annual trips to the Middle East. Here she would advise on the age and type of cloth that was extracted from the tombs in Egypt.
She had an extensive library of embrodiery and textile books.
Alydth published articles in Arts of Asia magazine, in which she discussed the Asian domestic embroideries in the Burrell Collection, Glasgow. Friends described Aldyth Cadoux as "unusual, exotic, inspirational, remarkable, colourful and enthusiastic"
TRIVA
Here are some more images of Swedish flat weave tapestries and tramp art.
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