Absolutely stunning Victorian beadwork needlepoint panel, made up into the fire screen it would have been (the kind which hangs at the mantel with a hinged retractable frame - frame shown in final images but is not included). These panels are wonderful as pillow tops, worked with heavy silk or velvet, down-filled and framed in with lush fringe passementerie, or braided cord with tassels. The colors of this one are perfect for a Christmas pillow, or sofa pillow for any English or French Manor interior. Trimmed out as it is, use it as a wall hanging or locate a proper bracket and use as intended, a retracting fire screen that attaches to your mantel. Even the most modern interiors are now showing with pillows made up from antique tapestry panels. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type, the panel was worked up but shows no real evidence it was ever used (no head changes to the silk backing), likely never made up into the fire screen it was created to be. Beadwork is stunning and in superb condition. The background of claret red wool yarn shows no wear for its advanced age, having been crafted - 170 or so years since it was embroidered. Strong panel! Easy to work with, and it's strong enough to make into a pillow. This one could just be stitched to the top of a pillow, as it is trimmed out in fine passementerie braid, well-fringed, and has its tassels (French, 19th century, made on wood spool (see a bit of the wood showing).
