The Craft of the Needle
By W. G. Paulson Townsend
Design Master at the Royal School of Art-needlework And Government Examiner for Art
Assisted by Louisa F. Pesel and Others
With Preface by Walter Crane
Containing Seventy Illustrations
Designed by the Late Sir E. Burne Jones and William Morris.
Worked at the Royal School of Art Needlework.
London and New York
Truslove, Hanson & Comba, Lt
1899
CONDITION:
This book is in poor condition. The cloth-covered boards are moderately edgeworn, with fraying to the edges and general shelf wear. The spine is darkened and rubbed. The hinges and joints are cracked. The text block and pages are toned and show minor foxing. Some of the illustrations are loose, and others are starting to come loose. The endpapers have some wrinkling/buckling. The illustrations are all present, though some are detached.
ATTRIBUTES:
First edition. Illustrated edition. Hardcover. Bound in cloth. This is an antiquarian book that has had a long and illustrious journey through time. Please take a look at the pictures to ascertain the condition of this item.
DESCRIPTION:
This foundational text, "Embroidery - Or The Craft Of The Needle," delves deeply into the intricate world of needlework, exploring its historical evolution, diverse techniques, and artistic applications. The book serves as both a practical guide and a scholarly examination of embroidery as a significant art form. Authored by W. G. Paulson Townsend, a recognized authority in the field, this work reflects a period of renewed interest in traditional crafts and the Arts and Crafts movement.
The book's significance is amplified by its connection to notable figures like Sir E. Burne Jones and William Morris, whose influence on design and craftsmanship during the late 19th century was profound. Their association with this volume underscores its artistic merit and its role in documenting the aesthetic principles of the era. For collectors, this book represents a key historical document in the study of textile arts, offering insights into the craftsmanship and design philosophies that shaped the decorative arts at the turn of the 20th century. Its comprehensive nature and distinguished associations make it a valuable addition to any collection focusing on art history, craft, or the Arts and Crafts movement.
FLASHBACK TO 1899 WHEN THIS BOOK WAS PUBLISHED:
When this book was published in 1899, the Second Boer War had just begun, the Dreyfus Affair continued to grip France, and Marconi achieved the first wireless communication across the English Channel, while Oscar Wilde, recently released from prison, was living in exile. This pivotal year also saw the First Philippine Republic declared, the Hague Peace Conference convened, and Ernest Hemingway, a future literary giant, was born. As the century drew to a close, a sense of both fin-de-siècle anxiety and technological optimism permeated the globe.
Location: ABS-1-2