Ivory Scottish Ayrshire Whitework Embroidered Tablecloth, Early 20th century 175 x 254cm

An exceptionally fine embroidered Ayrshire Whitework table cloth on ivory cotton that would be ideal for a double bed cover, 5.7’ x 8.3’. It is bordered by an intricate, seamless hand-crocheted border. A beautiful tribute to the skills of a past generation.

Ayrshire whitework was developed in Scotland in the early 1800s and is characterised by stylised floral motifs with lace insets, outlined in satin stitch. Originally embroidered on fine muslin, Glasgow cotton manufacturers soon began to send cotton that was pre-stamped with designs in a water soluble blue ink.

Here the rectangular central section features eight floral motifs with satin stitch and drawn thread embroidery. Geometric lines of pulled thread embroidery divides up the remaining cloth which is embellished with a further pattern of floral designs.

The fancy filet crochet lace around the border was particularly popular during the Victorian and Edwardian eras and every needlework and woman‘s magazine featured patterns by the filet crochet designers of the time - Mary Card, Anne Orr, Mary Fitch and Ida Farr.

The table cloth looks as if it has never been used. The embroidery and crochet work are in perfect condition with no pulled or loose threads and the cloth is freshly laundered and spotless.