Tracings

Date

1875-1900

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

Dimensions 160mm X 174mm (max) aw
159mm X 174mm (max) ss

Creator

Royal School of Art Needlework: Created by the royal school of needlework as miniature versions of designs and kept with the design cards collection which were miniature versions sent out to clients for next day approval.

Scope and content

Tracings of four panel designs entitled 'Spring', 'Summer', 'Autumn', 'Winter' showing female figures in classical drapery and surrounded by a classical architectural frame. These would have been created by the Paint Room of the Royal School of Art Needlework, later the Royal School of Needlework to record large scale designs. These sort of figural panels were produced by the RSN often for rigid panels or screens in late nineteenth and early twentieth century with designers like Selwyn Image and Walter Crane contributing similar classical personifications.

Spring shows small roses climbing two pillars either side of the female figure, at her feet are bluebells and primroses.
Summer shows larger roses climbing two pillars either side of the female figure.
Autumn shows vines climbing two pillars either side of the female figure, she is picking the grapes.
Winter has a fire at her feet and is carrying twigs and branches.

Reference code

D1/004.a-b
© Royal School of Needlework