Antique Embroidered Crewelwork Tree of Life with Birds: C1910 A.H. Lee, Birkenhead, Britain. 337cm x 126cm

A large crewelwork panel with a design in the late Georgian style showing an 18th century French influence, by Lee (Arthur H. & Sons), Birkenhead, ca1910.

Hand-embroidered in coloured wools on a pale gold chinoiserie patterned damask ground, with a Tree of Life design, foliage and birds, in shades of green, pink, orange, green, yellow, blue, and purple, using long & short stitch, stem stitch, French knots, and satin stitch, selvedges to sides, upper and lower edges hemmed with machine-stitching.

Important textile designer and manufacturer Arthur H. Lee (1853-1932) founded his prestigious family firm in Bolton in 1888, subsequently building a factory in Birkenhead in 1908.

The company continued throughout the 20th century under the direction of Arthur's three sons and five grandsons before closing in 1970. The American branch of the firm, Lee Jofa, is still in existence in New York. As well as developing innovative methods of weaving tapestry cloths, and producing high-quality hand-blocked fabrics, Lee is particularly known for his revival of the practise of hand-crafted needlepoint and crewelwork.
Such pieces now seldom appear on the market.

Measurements:
337cm long x 126cm wide

Condition:
In excellent condition, most likely a sample piece, and never used.