A GROUP OF TWELVE POLYCHROME EMBROIDERED SILK HANGINGS

19TH CENTURY, ON LATER BACKINGS

Details

A GROUP OF TWELVE POLYCHROME EMBROIDERED SILK HANGINGS
19TH CENTURY, ON LATER BACKINGS
Comprising three short horizontal strips, one longer horizontal strip, eight vertical long strips with geometric design at bottom, all embroidered in the early 18th Century style with scrolling flowers and foliage, on gold silk linings with netting and fringe, with labelled tags 'Luttrellstown Castle/26, 27, 28 September 1983' and in pencil '45', variations in execution
Three pieces approximately 110 in. (279 cm.) long x 24 in. (61 cm.) high; one piece approximately 125 in. (317.5 cm.) long x 24 in. (61 cm.) high; eight pieces approximately 166 in. (421.5 cm.) high x 30 in. (76 cm.) wide (12)

Provenance

Aileen Plunkett, Luttrellstown Castle, Clonsilla Co., Dublin, Ireland, sold Christie's house sale, 26-28 September 1983, lot 45.

Lot Essay

These embroidered hangings formerly belonged to the Hon. Mrs Aileen Plunket, who acquired the the romantic Gothic castle at Luttrellstown in 1930 as gift from her father, Ernest Guinness. In the 1950s Mrs. Plunket set about transforming the castle's interiors together with the celebrated artist decorator Felix Harbord (d. 1981), who had trained in the architectural office of Sir Albert Richardson. She and Harbord bought many pieces from Country House sales. The house was famous for its lavish parties, and was frequently visited by royalty and heads of state. For further information on Luttrellstown castle, see lot 130.

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