Page 21 - Demo

17The Kildare Place Society, with its roots in the Society for Promoting Education of the Poor of Ireland, which was established in 1811, operated thousands of schools throughout the 19th century in Ireland. A three month course trained young ladies, mostly from the country, to become teachers. The curriculum of their Female Model Schools included a specific education in the needle arts, with entire instruction manuals that prescribed a progression of assignments. Students who completed this coursework would occasionally stitch or glue their needlework projects into bound books, which served as proof of their accomplishments, as well as reference for practical application of various techniques throughout one%u2019s life. This large and unusually complete volume is one of the finest known of this type. Our book is the work of Christiana Norwood, who so noted in needlework on the finest cover page %u2013 a skillfully executed silk embroidery, with very fine black stitching to create the perfect lettering surrounded by a wreath of chenille, ribbon and precise silk stitches, including French knots. This was likely the final project in completing her needlework lessons. From 1st class to 16th, each page displays a project from hemming, pleating, buttonholes and other basic sewing practices to marking samplers, darning, piecework, applique, knitting, straw work and further advanced techniques. Remarkably over 54 different objects, needleworked examples of various types, all made by Christina, are glued, stitched or pinned to the pages of this extraordinary book.The cover is decoratively marbleized, with Christiana%u2019s name lettered on a label, and with reinforced corners and binding. The needlework is in very good condition, the paper pages have some staining and foxing.Dimensions: 16%u201d x 10%u201d Price: $6800.Needlework Book, Christiana Norwood, Female Model School, Kildare Place, Dublin, Ireland, 1831