Mary Card "PERIWINKLE & BUTTERFLY" Filet Crochet Lace Table Centrepiece - Design Published in Everylady's Journal (1928)
Ultra rare collectors item. Designed by Mary Card in 1928, published in the popular Everylady's Journal as a duchess set (a trio of dressing table mats) that consisted of two identical round doilies and oval version - the oval one being the largest. In fact very few of Mary's duchess sets were made due to the unusually large size of the centrepieces. However that makes this piece very suitable to display on a stately dining or coffee table for some special occasions.
This is a fine example made of strong ecru cotton thread, worked evenly and tightly. As the title says the design is made up of butterflies and periwinkle flowers in generous quantities, arranged in a symmetrical fashion. The details are stunning and lifelike.
Measuring: 60 x 50 cm/23.5 x20 inches.
In excellent condition, though slight discolouration due to age. Please view the photos carefully and ask any questions before buying.
Mary Card (1861-1940) was an Australian educator and lace designer who took crochet to another level. Starting a new career as an independent middle aged woman during WWI, she shot to stardom status first in Melbourne, then moved to London and later to New York where she worked for women's magazines and continued to publish her own, very successful charts and books.
Her stunning unparalelled patterns were inspired by nature, especially by the unique Australian flora and fauna. Her work has delighted and enriched the lives of women across the world when the craft of lacemaking was very popular and is still highly regarded today with collectors and lovers of antique lace. She was a very prolific designer, so much fun to be had, should you decide to start collecting her work. Mary's designs include numerous small doilies, placemats, clothing accessories, as well as over 40 large items such as tablecloths, chair covers, towel insets and bedspreads.
Some designs commonly believed to be Mary Card's work cannot be authenticated as some magazines did not credit or name their designers. For those who wish to do their own research, I recommend the excellent books of Barbara Ballantyne on the topic.