Ultra rare lace collectors item. Most collectors will know some of the Wild Rose and Pigeon set of designs, but very few have seen this large Tray Cloth or Table Centerpiece or even knew it existed. Probably because very few were made as it required above average skills and a lot of time to make. In fantastic vintage (used) condition. It was obviously treasured ever since it was made. This mostly unknown design was published in the Australian Home Beautiful in 1936, also in the English Chart no 74. Measuring approximately 62 (W) x 47 (H) cm/24.5 x 18.5" Made of great quality, very fine slightly off-white mercerised cotton. Shipping with tracking and insurance.
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.
We do our due diligence when deciding the authenticity of the pieces we list. 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, we recommend the excellent books of Barbara Ballantyne on the topic.