Not currently on display at the V&A

Napkin

1897 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Central design of St. George killing the dragon with surrounding inscription 'Victoria Regina Dei Gratia 1837' and 'Victoria Imperatrice 1897'. Four symbols of the continents America, Africa, Europe and Asia surround the central motif. Each continent is represented by figures from the continents plus appropriate animals, including an elephant for Africa and a bull for Europe. The deep border design shows the Royal Standard in each corner with trailing foliage representing England (roses, oak leaves), Ireland (shamrocks) and Scotland (thistles). Around the central design of St. George and radiating towards each corner the dates '1837' and '1897' alternate.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Woven linen damask
Brief description
Two white linen damask napkins in one piece, uncut from roll.
Physical description
Central design of St. George killing the dragon with surrounding inscription 'Victoria Regina Dei Gratia 1837' and 'Victoria Imperatrice 1897'. Four symbols of the continents America, Africa, Europe and Asia surround the central motif. Each continent is represented by figures from the continents plus appropriate animals, including an elephant for Africa and a bull for Europe. The deep border design shows the Royal Standard in each corner with trailing foliage representing England (roses, oak leaves), Ireland (shamrocks) and Scotland (thistles). Around the central design of St. George and radiating towards each corner the dates '1837' and '1897' alternate.
Dimensions
  • Whole piece length: 138.5cm
  • Whole piece width: 68.5cm
  • Each napkin length: 68.5cm
  • Each napkin width: 68.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
'Capper & Sons Coy. Registered Design'. (Design registration; Inscribed)
Object history
The seller is a dealer in linen damask at Greenwich market.

Historical significance: Made for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee
Subjects depicted
Collection
Accession number
T.509:2-2002

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Record createdFebruary 18, 2003
Record URL
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