A fashion for small needlework pictures grew and flourished among ladies in seventeenth century England. The pictures in the first floor rooms are fine examples of their time spent on this skilful art.

In the seventeenth century, every young girl learned how to sew and embroider. The makers were often demonstrating their proficiency as needlewomen in designs made by professional draftsmen of biblical or classical scenes based on popular prints and engravings.

The pictures in the collection feature scenes from popular bible stories such as Jacob’s Ladder and Rebecca at the Well as well as classical myths. An embroidered casket in the Rockingham Room is an outstanding example of stumpwork and depicts The Judgement of Paris.

Pastoral scenes, including country pursuits such as hunting and fishing were also popular. Cows and woolly sheep were incorporated into wonderland settings of rolling flower-strewn hillocks.

©NTPL / D. Morris