Not currently on display at the V&A

Napkin

1805-1806 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Napkin of linen damask and embroidered, commemorating the naval triumph at Trafalgar. In the centre is an anchor twined with rope, surrounded by radiating light, and is set within a wreath of oak bound with ribbon at the bottom and topped by a naval crown. The whole device, but on a smaller scale, appears in each corner of the border, and flanked by trophies of cannon, flags, etc. and eagle or phoenix beneath a scroll inscribed 'Victoria'. Between these corner-pieces the border contains a naval crown above crossed palm fronds; crossed tridents with a wreath of bay; entwined dolphins spouting water; and crossed trident and palm frond. This border is edged on both sides with an acorn-bearing oak stem, and the ground between is spotted with cannon-balls. In the centre field there are much larger cannon balls or bombs, some breaking into flame. Embroidered in blue in one corner: '29'.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Linen damask and embroidered
Brief description
Napkin of linen damask and embroidered, Great Britain, 1805-1806
Physical description
Napkin of linen damask and embroidered, commemorating the naval triumph at Trafalgar. In the centre is an anchor twined with rope, surrounded by radiating light, and is set within a wreath of oak bound with ribbon at the bottom and topped by a naval crown. The whole device, but on a smaller scale, appears in each corner of the border, and flanked by trophies of cannon, flags, etc. and eagle or phoenix beneath a scroll inscribed 'Victoria'. Between these corner-pieces the border contains a naval crown above crossed palm fronds; crossed tridents with a wreath of bay; entwined dolphins spouting water; and crossed trident and palm frond. This border is edged on both sides with an acorn-bearing oak stem, and the ground between is spotted with cannon-balls. In the centre field there are much larger cannon balls or bombs, some breaking into flame. Embroidered in blue in one corner: '29'.
Dimensions
  • Length: 41in
  • Width: 31.75in
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'VICTORIA' (Inscribed on the scrolls on the four corners)
  • '29' (Embroidered in one corner in blue)
Credit line
Given by Miss Lucy Pearson
Object history
Registered File number 1990/2201.
Table cloth T.205-1962 of the same design has a view of the fleet with each ship named, the words 'England expects every man to do his duty', and 'Trafalgar Oct 21 1805'.
Subjects depicted
Associated object
T.205-1962 (Version)
Collection
Accession number
T.22-1991

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Record createdFebruary 9, 2004
Record URL
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