LEWES: A private view and talk by Gorringes textiles specialist Annie Hartnett ahead of a sale on 9 June of heritage and antique craft textiles.

If you make or have a passion for textiles, then you are in for a real treat. The pieces on view for this sale are eclectic, and many are of museum quality. This event will give you the opportunity to handle and get really close to exquisite examples of hand embroidery and lace, historical petit point, quilts and early samplers, as well as 1920s beaded dresses that foxtrot in front of your eyes.  

Annie Harnett shares her expertise and enthusiasm in this field to make for a fascinating Friday morning in Lewes.

FREE – But book tickets below

Note: You can bid for these items in the sale on the following Monday. Staff will be on hand to take you through the process. You can also view them by yourself during the public viewings.

Sale Information
Public Viewings: Friday 6 June, 8.30am-4.30pm
Saturday 7 June,  9am-1pm
Sale Monday 9 June, 8am-9.30am 
Link to the catalogue

Highlights:

Lot 1267

A 17th-century petit point-embroidered panel housed in a tortoise shell and gilt frame. The embroidery depicts Charles I, within a tent, with Henrietta Maria looking at a gentleman dangling a boy in one hand and sword in the other, with the mother pleading for the King’s mercy. The embroidery is worked in places with raised stump work, beading and a variety of stitches and threads. 
33cm wide x 24cm high 
Condition: both the condition of the embroidery and colours are strong. The frame has a portion of the tortoiseshell veneer and two ebony slips missing.
Est. £300-£500

Lot 1277

An unusual early 19th century finely worked colourful unframed sampler. Dated 30th August 1839 by Mary A. Burgess, aged 15 years, worked in a cartouche within a garland of flowers.The top with large spot motifs of parrots, then a verse with cupids below. The bottom panel worked with a church, deer, rabbits, oak trees and flowers. Edged with a deep floral vining border. 
33cm wide x 54cm high
Condition: there are moth holes mostly to the edges and borders. The embroidery and colours are strong as new.
Est. £200-£300

Lot 1323

An English 19th-century silk ‘Tumbling Blocks’ hand-sewn patchwork quilt, with central star motif and wide velvet border. Worked with multicoloured silks backed with black and blue silk.
170cm x 152cm 
Condition: there are a few black silk panels that need restoration, but the colours are still strong. The backing has a few marks which may be removed with light sponging.
Est. £150-£250

Lot 1335

A 1920s red georgette beaded evening dress. Hand-beaded and sequinned in white and gold, designed with a dropped waist, handkerchief points and wide breaded border with large stylistic floral motifs. 
Length 115cm 
Condition: apart from a few gold and silver sequins and beads missing, the dress appears to be well looked after.
Est. £200-£300

Lot 1345

An unusual late 19th early 20th century Chinese silk embroidered robe, made for the tiger role, Jing, who symbolises power, bravery, protection and royalty. A character often used in Chinese opera, theatre and performing arts. The robe, intricately converted specifically for this role in the early 20th century was gifted a few years later to the owner’s family.
Robe length 140cm 
Condition: has some wear but is to be expected for its age and use.
Est. £300-400