Tracing

Date

1933

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

Dimensions 335mm x 275mm (max)

Creator

Scope and content

Tracing 'pricked and pounced' for the transfer of the design onto fabric to be embroidered. The tracing is pricked with a needle and then pouncing powder is applied to the back to transfer the design through the small holes.

This transfer shows a coat of arms with a lion and a mermaid and the motto 'Per ad ardua alta' - which is a Latin phrase which translates as "through adversity to high things" or "through hardship to great heights". It is used by the University of Birmingham. It is inscribed Heraldry 23/11/33 University of Birmingham.

A staple part of the Royal School of Needlework's business throughout the twentieth century was the embroidery of heraldry and arms, sometimes for royal and state commissions but often for secular and educational organisations like Universities.

Transcription

'Per ad ardua alta' Heraldry 23/11/33 University of Birmingham

Reference code

D14/001
© Royal School of Needlework