Cut work and lace sampler with linen: "Ruskin work", made by Elizabeth Prickett and students, Cumbria, 1972-77

Cutwork and lace sampler. Panel of heavy linen decorated with thirty-two cutwork panels all of different size; mainly square but including stepped corner pieces, linked squares, diamonds and published in the pattern books of the second half of the 16th and the early 17th centuries. The stitches used are overcast and buttonhole stitch with picots and bullion knots. All the panels are bordered with a double line of drawn thread work with small embroidery motifs securing the corners. The edges of the panel are decorated with button holed loops and more elaborate points built up from a series of loops. Three pieces of detached needle lace hang from the lower edge; one long border and two rounded scallops. The panel has an inscription worked in line thread in raised over cast (or curl).

Given by Elizabeth Prickett

The English lace industry in the late 19th century was reliant on patronage for its survival. Improvements in design, quality and distribution were made when organizations, such as the Midlands Lace Association, were set up in 1891. A workshop was set up in the 1890s in the Lake District, making Ruskin lace, a type of cutwork in historical style, and the technique is still taught there to the present day.

This sampler has the embroidered inscription 'designed & worked by members of classes with Elizabeth Prickett / South Lakeland Cumbria / Ruskin Linen Work / 1972-77'. Sixty-two class members at the school were involved in making the sampler, over a period of five years.

T.18-1979