Embroidered picture 'Victory for the Allies'

item details

NameEmbroidered picture 'Victory for the Allies'

ProductionUnknown; needleworker; 1914-1918
Unknown; embroiderer; 1914-1918

Classificationneedlework, embroidery

Materialscloth, thread, wood, paper, glass, braid

Materials Summaryframed and glazed embroidered cloth with paper insertions

Techniquesembroidering, collage, glazing, appliqué, couching, framing, embroidering

DimensionsOverall: 550mm (height)

Registration NumberGH015797

Credit linePurchased 2007

Overview

This framed embroidery is an exceptional example of patriotic craftwork created during World War I.

Details
An appliquéd life buoy encircles a photographic portrait of the ruling British monarch, King George V. Beneath this is another photograph - this one of a naval battle - framed with couched silver-wrapped silk thread. The image is from the Battle of Jutland, which was fought between 21 May and 1 June 1916 in the North Sea near Jutland, Denmark. The clash between the Royal Navy's British Grand Fleet and the German Imperial Navy's High Sea Fleet was the largest naval battle of World War I. Although the embroiderer has declared 'Victory for the Allies', the overall result of the battle was indecisive.

Eight embroidered flags add to the work's military theme. These represent the allied nations of Turkey, Romania, Montenegro, Italy, Great Britain, Belgium, Russia, and Japan.

A similar embroidery featuring the same image -REL/0667 - is held in the Australian War Memorial.