Campan, Madame

[Evershed, Ellen Binding- Manuscript Notation identifying the binder, and printed Evershed sticker] Memoirs of Marie Antoinette

London: Hutchinson & Co., 1906.

First Edition. 8vo, 7 1/4 x 5 inches, 512pp. A beautiful cream silk binding affixed to the original boards, by Ellen Evershed (active London, c. 1910), with the upper cover entirely decorated in polychrome silk embroidery worked directly over the covering. The design forms a repeating vertical lattice of rose-pink corded stems creating elongated diamond compartments, each enclosing stylized floral sprays. The flowers, in pale blue silk with darker shading and plum centers, rise from elongated olive and gold-toned leaves executed in long-and-short stitch, with subtle tonal modeling. Lattice intersections are punctuated by rounded pink knots, creating a rhythmic trellis effect. At center, a finely worked interlaced monogramólikely ìMAîóanchors the composition. The overall aesthetic reflects an Arts and Crafts sensibility informed by historic textile design.On the front pastedown there is a contemporary manuscript note (mounted at corners), reading in full: ìThe embroidery on the cover of this book was taken from a small piece of work, a piece of embroidery done by Marie Antoinette; design & colours are faithfully copied by Ellen Evershed, 59 South Molton St., London. W." Rear pastedown with printed trade label ìMrs. Evershed, 59, South Molton St., London, W. Church & Secular Needlework. All kinds of work mounted.î

Ellen Evershed (Mrs. Evershed) was a London embroideress active by 1900, first recorded at Hanover Square as a teacher of embroidery and lace, and later established at South Molton Street, as on the present label. Contemporary sources describe her as a well-known practitioner with an international clientele and later as an experienced restorer of historic textiles. Her work reflects the Arts and Crafts revival of traditional needlework, often drawing directly on earlier models, as here. Among other period mentions, Mrs. Evershed is prominently featured in "The Revival of Art Needlework and Embroidery" (Davson), noting her as "the well-known embroideress" (with the other primary example being the work done at The Royal School of Art Needlework).

Price: $2,750.00   Item #7065