The Costume, Accessories & Textiles Sale on 20th August will include a colourful range of textiles with provenance from three aristocratic households, including a Private Collection of Textiles that have passed by descent from the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma.
Louis Mountbatten (1900-1979), 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, joined the Navy towards the end of World War I, and by World War II he was sufficiently respected to be appointed Supreme Allied Commander of South East Asia Command, in which position he helped overcome the Japanese forces. After the war he was appointed Viceroy of India in 1947, shortly before the country’s independence, and he was tasked with organising a quick and peaceful transition of power during the British withdrawal. Whilst in India with his wife, Edwina Ashley (1901-1960), they collected many of the items included in this sale. Highlights include Two Circa 1940s Indian Cloth Dolls of Lord and Lady Mountbatten (estimate: £120-180 plus buyer’s premium), and Two Early 20th Century Indian Souvenir Woven Cloths (estimate: £150-250). Also up for sale is a Collection of Monogrammed Bed Linen and Accessories for Princess Mary of Harewood House, and a Collection of Costume, Textiles & Ephemera from Castle Howard, North Yorkshire.
Of Royal interest is an unusual Irish Linen Damask Tablecloth and Napkins, decorated with a portrait of King George V, the Royal Coat of Arms, the Union flag and an array of elephants, kangaroos, platypus’ and kiwis (estimate: £400-600). With rather less aristocratic origins are a group of three 19th century samplers, worked by three sisters of the James family between 1839 and 1863. On offer with an estimate of £400-600, the samplers were made by M. James, aged 12, Margaret James, aged 14, and Elizabeth James, aged 12. Amongst an interesting range of sewing accessories and haberdashery is a Private Collection of treen knitting sticks, which includes an intricate 19th century carved chain example, made by I R Turner of Bank Top, Darlington in 1876 (estimate: £120-180).
