19th Century Sailor’s Woolie of a Top-Sail Schooner, circa 1860

19th Century Sailor’s Woolie of a Top-Sail Schooner, circa 1860, a sailor’s handcrafted woolwork picture of a Top-Sail or “Jackass” Schooner (having Fore-and-Aft rigged sails on the Fore Mast and Main Mast, and with Square Rigged Top-Sails also on the Fore Mast), sailing under a blue sky on striated green and blue sea within a round reserve, flanked by the flags of Allied Nations, set within draped theater curtains above a banner inscribed “For A Kind Mother” over a garland of Tobacco Leaves (often seen in sailor’s folk art as a symbol of prosperity). A wonderful and unusual sailor’s woolwork. Mounted in its original bird’s eye maple frame with lemon gilt filets.

The woolie remains in very good condition with strong colors. There is minimal damage from nibbling, mostly in the lower left corner, and with one small darkened area (also in the lower left). The frame has the expected nicks and scrapes, and minor separation at the corners, but remains in very strong and stable condition.

Sailor’s woolworks were a craft taught at British Naval Hospitals, and were in effect the world’s first occupational therapy. The majority were made between the 1830s and 1880s, and while sailors then turned to other crafts in vogue, some were occasionally made up to the World War I era. The sailors who took to the craft continued to make them in ever more elaborate and fanciful patterns after release, to sell to locals and tourists in order to support themselves.

Even those woolies depicting American or other nation’s flags were made by the British sailors (they knew their market well)! However, a very small percentage were also made by Trinity House lighthouse keepers, and a tiny amount by sailors from other nations (who most likely had served at one time on a British ship).

Measures:13-1/2 in H x 15-3/8 in W
Framed: 18-1/2 in H x 20-1/4 in W