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Cushion Cover

ca. 1900 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
This cushion cover was described by Jessie Newbery's daughter, one of the donors, as being 'for ordinary use'. It is now recognised as one of the most characteristic works of Jessie Newbery (1864-1948), the main exponent of the Glasgow School style.

People
In 1894 Jessie Newbery became head of the embroidery department at the Glasgow School of Art. Her teaching was revolutionary. She believed in the importance of form and structure over superficial decoration and encouraged the use of simple, speedy techniques, particularly appliqué, to provide fresh, intuitive effects. She taught to a wide range of students and her Saturday morning classes were organised for primary and secondary teachers and professionals. With the administrative separation of the Glasgow School from English control in 1899 the School had much greater control over its own work which helped encourage a strong, individual style.

Materials & Making
Newbery encouraged the use of linens and unusual techniques such as needle weaving (used in the borders of this piece). The inscription and the stylised roses which form part of the design are both characteristics of her work and ones that were widely copied. Newbery's simple satin stitch lent itself to the linear patterns and inscriptions for which she is now famous. It also provide the most straightforward means of securing applied motifs.

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Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Embroidered linen with silks, linen appliqué
Brief description
Cushion cover of embroidered linen with silks, designed and embroidered by Jessie Newbery, Glasgow, ca. 1900.
Physical description
Cushion cover of embroidered linen with silks. With a cream linen ground with a design of stylised flowers and leaves and small geometric ornament. In the centre is an embroidered inscription. The flowers are appliqued in linen and in shades of green and pink silk, and with a border of needle-weaving in green, cream and pink silks on drawn threads, and an outer border of green linen.
Dimensions
  • Height: 57.8cm
  • Width: 64.8cm
  • Length: 22.75in
  • Width: 25.5in
  • Depth: 125mm (Note: With cushion inserted)
  • Width: 604mm (Note: With cushion inserted)
  • Height: 509mm (Note: With cushion inserted)
Dimensions checked: Measured; 26/01/1999 by sf
Style
Marks and inscriptions
'SENSIM SED / PROPERE FLUIT / IRREMEABILIS / HORA: CONSULE / NE PERDAS ABS/ QUE LABORE DIEM' (Inscribed with a Latin poem in the centre, which remarks upon the passage of time and encourages daily work.)
Translation
Gradually but relentlessly flows time, from which there is no going back; take care that you do not lose the day without work
Gallery label
British Galleries: This cushion shows many aspects of the techniques and design associated with Jessie Newbery and her important legacy to the craft of embroidery. The stitches are used to emphasise the simple structure of the design. The subtle colours, texture and lettering are typical of Scottish style. The stylised rose is a significant characteristic of Glasgow-based designers.(27/03/2003)
Credit line
Given by Mrs M. M. Sturrock and Mrs Lang
Object history
Designed and made in Glasgow by Jessie Newbery (born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, 1864, died in Dorset, 1948)
Subject depicted
Summary
Object Type
This cushion cover was described by Jessie Newbery's daughter, one of the donors, as being 'for ordinary use'. It is now recognised as one of the most characteristic works of Jessie Newbery (1864-1948), the main exponent of the Glasgow School style.

People
In 1894 Jessie Newbery became head of the embroidery department at the Glasgow School of Art. Her teaching was revolutionary. She believed in the importance of form and structure over superficial decoration and encouraged the use of simple, speedy techniques, particularly appliqué, to provide fresh, intuitive effects. She taught to a wide range of students and her Saturday morning classes were organised for primary and secondary teachers and professionals. With the administrative separation of the Glasgow School from English control in 1899 the School had much greater control over its own work which helped encourage a strong, individual style.

Materials & Making
Newbery encouraged the use of linens and unusual techniques such as needle weaving (used in the borders of this piece). The inscription and the stylised roses which form part of the design are both characteristics of her work and ones that were widely copied. Newbery's simple satin stitch lent itself to the linear patterns and inscriptions for which she is now famous. It also provide the most straightforward means of securing applied motifs.
Collection
Accession number
T.69-1953

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Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
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