Cushion Cover
1603-25 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
In the 17th century the majority of wooden chairs and stools were not upholstered, and in more prosperous homes, decorated cushions were widely used both for comfort and for the attractiveness of their appearance. Long cushion covers like this were specifically made to fit wooden benches and window seats.
We do not know the identity of Mary Hulton, whose name appears on the cushion. The quality of the embroidery, and the amount of metal thread worked into it, suggests that it was professional rather than domestic work, so it may have been commissioned by her. Heraldic motifs, like the Royal Arms incorporated here, were often included in 17th century embroidery, reflecting an overriding interest in family and social position.
We do not know the identity of Mary Hulton, whose name appears on the cushion. The quality of the embroidery, and the amount of metal thread worked into it, suggests that it was professional rather than domestic work, so it may have been commissioned by her. Heraldic motifs, like the Royal Arms incorporated here, were often included in 17th century embroidery, reflecting an overriding interest in family and social position.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Linen canvas embroidered with silk, wool and metal thread |
| Brief description | embroidered, 1603-1625, English; "Mary Hulton" Royal Arms and IR |
| Physical description | Linen canvas embroidered with silk, wool and metal thread, mainly in tent stitch, with some plaited and long-armed cross stitch. The stitches are minute, averaging 31 to 39 to the inch. Letters MH once worked on either side of the shield have been filled in and replaced with stars. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | MARY HVLTON
I R (IR for James Rex, King James I) |
| Gallery label | Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and the Russian Tsars label text:
Cushion cover with royal arms
1603–25
In the 17th century decorated cushions were used because most chairs and stools were not upholstered. Long cushion covers like this were specifically made to fit wooden benches and window seats. Heraldic motifs were often part of the design, reflecting the social position of the family as well as their loyalty to the crown.
England
Made by or for Mary Hulton
Linen canvas, embroidered with silk, wool and metal thread
With royal arms and ‘IR’ for James Rex (James I)
V&A 816-1893 |
| Object history | Made either by or for Mary Hulton, whose name appears beneath the Royal Arms. Purchased by the Museum from Messrs J Sassoon & Co. |
| Summary | In the 17th century the majority of wooden chairs and stools were not upholstered, and in more prosperous homes, decorated cushions were widely used both for comfort and for the attractiveness of their appearance. Long cushion covers like this were specifically made to fit wooden benches and window seats. We do not know the identity of Mary Hulton, whose name appears on the cushion. The quality of the embroidery, and the amount of metal thread worked into it, suggests that it was professional rather than domestic work, so it may have been commissioned by her. Heraldic motifs, like the Royal Arms incorporated here, were often included in 17th century embroidery, reflecting an overriding interest in family and social position. |
| Bibliographic reference | John Lea Nevinson, Catalogue of English Domestic Embroidery of the Sixteenth & Seventeenth Centuries, Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Textiles, London: HMSO, 1938, p.12 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 816-1893 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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