19th Century Sailor’s Woolie of the Merchant Ship JANE Under Full Sail, circa 1840s

Early to Mid 19th Century Sailor’s Woolie of the Merchant Ship JANE Under Full Sail, circa 1840s, a hand-crafted sailor’s woolwork picture depicting a larboard side view of fully rigged clipper ship with British ensign flying off the spanker gaff, passing a lighthouse astern, on tranquil sea under neat cloudy sky. The woolie was constructed in the early manner of all short stitches and unusual in the use of cable stitches. The use of linen panels for the snowy white sails is stylish and also very unusual.

The woolie remains in great sound condition with no discernible damage, and the uniform fading over the years has created a lovely, mellow hue. It is mounted in a new bird’s eye maple frame.

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: 11-1/4 in H x 17-1/4 in W
Framed: 20-1/8 in H x 26 in W