Absolutely stunning ultra rare lace collectors item in perfect museum quality condition. All handmade Irish linen and filet lace tablecloth also known as Robin and Clematis or Wild Clematis and Blue Wren. It appeared in 3 publications in the UK, USA and Australia in 1926 and 1927.
This design is exceptional even among Mary's comparable pieces, consisting of 9 identical panels joined and mounted on a round linen centre.
Measuring approximately 160 cm/63" including the lace edging which is 44 cm/17" deep at the widest points. The linen centre is approximately 72 cm/28".
Price includes free worldwide shipping with tracking and insurance.
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, 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 if you should decide start collecting her work. Mary's designs inlude numerous small doilies, placemats, clothing accessories, as well as over 40 large items such as tablecloths, chair covers, towel insets and bedspreads.
We do 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.