Lot 232: British Schoolgirl Silk Needlework Map

British schoolgirl needlework map, watercolor and silk embroidery on silk, depicting Britannia personified as a female warrior, overlooking England and Wales divided into identified counties, all within an oval floral embroidered border. Compass star lower left. Possible initial signature upper right near Britannia’s leg: “WOO” or “WDO”. Undated, circa 1800. Early, possibly original, antique oval giltwood frame. Sight: 18 1/2 in H x 16 1/2 in W. Frame: 22 3/4 in H x 20 3/4 in W. 

CONDITION: Silk embroidered image is in very good condition, with only a couple of tiny  ground losses, upper right, not affecting Britannia. There are some larger but still minor losses (up to 3/4 inch) due to shattering silk in the floral border along the outer edges, particularly upper right, however, this map remains in better condition than most extant examples. The silk has been mounted atop a linen backing of similar color under non-glare glass to minimize the appearance of any losses. The possibly original frame has several visible, old repairs, scattered cracks and gesso losses up to 1/2 inch long.