A central figure to the Aestetic and Arts and Crafts Movements, English artist and designer, Walter Crane was a student of John Ruskin, and a friend of William Morris. In the late 1800s, Crane developed a distinctive style which often featured mythical or allegorical subjects.
Like many of his contemporaries, the Crane had a great interest in classical and Renaissance ornament and often used it as the basis of his designs. ‘MUSICA’ shows a Grecian Classical figure playing a portative organ, bearing the inscription ‘MUSCIA’. It is worked in coloured silks and applique work.
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LOT 310 | WALTER CRANE (1845-1915) FOR THE ROYAL SCHOOL OF NEEDLEWORK
‘MUSICA’ was designed circa 1876 by Water Crane for the Royal School of Needlework. Leading Arts and Crafts and Aesthetic Movement artists, such as Walter Crane, were commissioned by the Royal School of Needlework to produce designs, of which many original drawings are now kept within the school’s archives.
The ‘MUSICA’ design was shown at The Philadelphia International Centennial Exhibition of 1876 as part of Walter Crane's 'Complete Design for Decorating a Room with Hangings' which formed the centrepiece the Royal School of Needlework's display. The Exhibition of 1876 was the first official World's Fair in the United States held from May 10 to November 10, 1876.
We are delighted to present 'MUSICA' by Walter Crane for the Royal School of Needlework to auction on Thursday 14 February in 'Paul Reeves: An Eye for Design featuring Textiles as Art II' in Edinburgh.