The particularly large Edwardian period needlework consisting of an ivory ground depicting floral wreaths surrounding the central lettering in gold silk of ‘GOD IS LOVE’, and signed to the lower section ‘Mother 1902’, surrounded by a Verre églomisé border of gilt and ebony, the whole glazed and presented in its original gilded frame with gadrooned border and ribbon cresting.
Unknown.
“God is love” is a direct quote from two different verses in the Bible—1 John 4:8 and 1 John 4:16. For Christians, this description of the fundamental nature of God, is expressed many times in other scriptures. It’s meaning is essentially that God in his love wants his followers to become his children and to become at one with him and to learn to love him, his family and his creation, as he loves.
The picture is delightfully signed ‘Mother 1902’ so we can safely assume this was a gift from a doting mother to one of her children. As for Britain itself in 1902, it saw the second Boer War, the first submarine being commissioned for the Royal Navy, marmite was first put into production and Harry Jackson became the first British person to be convicted on the basis of fingerprint evidence.
Whether you are a fan of the big man himself or not this is just super cool with a kitsch appeal.
The work is in very original condition with no restoration to note. The threads in the picture are fully in tact with no areas of loss or moth. The colours have a general but slight fade that is wholly expected, and commensurate with age with the ivory ground with some staining. The frame has some small losses, particularly to the extremities i.e the ribbon cresting, making it decorative whilst the glass is fully original and in tact. The reverse of the piece shows the original velvet backing undisturbed, and it is clear this work has been cherished since it was made.
By appointment only.
